Head Coach Justine Madugu has selected a 25-player squad, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa's best goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala, to defend Nigeria's Women Africa Cup of Nations title at the upcoming 14th edition in Morocco, scheduled from July 26 to August 16.
Home-Based and Foreign Stars Included
The squad also features home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Omorinsola Babajide. The team blends experienced internationals with emerging talents from both domestic and foreign clubs.
Group C Challenge
Nigeria, the cup-holders aiming for a record-extending 11th title, will face Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi in Group C. All matches will be played in Morocco's administrative capital, Rabat. The tournament features 16 teams for the first time, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic spots at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup finals in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff tournament.
The Super Falcons have been ever-present at the FIFA Women's World Cup finals since the inaugural edition in China 35 years ago. They secured their 10th continental title last summer by edging hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France).
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Joy Omewa (BK Hacken, Sweden), Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).
