Super Falcons Coach Justin Madugu Unveils 25-Player Squad for Cameroon Friendlies
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has officially announced a 25-player squad for Nigeria's upcoming international friendly matches against Cameroon. This selection marks a crucial phase in Nigeria's preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the team aiming to defend its continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Blend of Experience and New Talent
The squad, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), strategically combines seasoned veterans with returning players and fresh faces. This approach indicates Coach Madugu's intent to evaluate team depth and foster competitive intensity ahead of the high-stakes tournament in Morocco. The list includes several Europe and North America-based professionals who are rejoining the national team setup.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the squad, supported by key players such as first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and attacking talents Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo. Defensive stalwarts Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Ashley Plumptre have retained their places, ensuring stability at the back.
Notable Returns and Debuts
Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who plays in Canada, and forward Gift Monday, based in the United States, have been recalled to the squad after missing Nigeria's previous major international engagements. Their return is expected to bolster the team's midfield and attacking options significantly.
The squad also features two first-time call-ups: goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who plays in England, and midfielder Precious Christopher, based in Tanzania. Defender Chidinma Okeke, currently playing in Mexico, makes a welcome return to the national team after an absence.
Match Schedule and Strategic Importance
The two friendlies against Cameroon will be held in Yaounde, with the first match scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, and the second on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. According to the NFF, these matches will provide the technical crew with an opportunity to assess tactical balance and attacking combinations against familiar African opposition.
These games are critical as they form part of Nigeria's build-up to WAFCON 2026, where World Cup qualification is at stake. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, serving as the 13th edition of the tournament. All four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for the Super Falcons, Africa's most successful women's national team with 10 continental titles.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Nnadozie Chiamaka, Erhabor Comfort, Mgbechi Anderline, Oloko Fatima
Defenders: Ohale Osinachi, Alozie Michelle, Demehin Oluwatosin, Plumptre Ashleigh, Oladipo Shukurat, Ogbonna Glory, Isah Sikiratu, Okeke Chidinma, Ucheibe Christy
Midfielders: Ayinde Halimatu, Okobi-Okeoghene Ngozi, Echegini Jennifer, Abiodun Deborah, Christopher Precious
Forwards: Ajibade Rasheedat, Monday Gift, Ihezuo Chinwendu, Okoronkwo Ijeoma, Babajide Omorinsola, Ijamilusi Folashade, Omewa Joy Ogochukwu
Background Context
This squad announcement comes amid previous reports of Super Falcons players considering protests over unpaid allowances and a lack of friendly matches. Such issues highlight the ongoing challenges within Nigerian women's football, even as the team prepares for major international competitions. The NFF has emphasized the importance of these friendlies in refining the team's strategy and cohesion ahead of WAFCON 2026.
