Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has announced his 21-player roster for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying round against Benin Republic, with six players from the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) earning their spots.

The call-up shows the growing influence of home-based talent in Nigeria’s women’s football as the team continues its quest for another continental berth, Footballrover reports.

NWFL Stars Set to Shine in Super Falcons Squad

Madugu’s selection reflects a balance of established internationals and rising domestic performers.

Among the six NWFL inclusions are Anderline Mgbechi and Taiwo Afolabi from Rivers Angels, Rachael Unachukwu of Nasarawa Amazons, Blessing Ilivieda of Bayelsa Queens, Miracle Usani from Abia Angels, and Kafayat Mafisere of Edo Queens.

Each of these players has impressed in the ongoing NWFL season, earning plaudits for their consistency and match-winning contributions.

Their inclusion not only rewards their league form but also shows how Super Falcons tend to blend domestic players with global experience.

Eyes on WAFCON and World Cup Qualification

The Super Falcons will face Benin Republic in a decisive two-legged tie that determines who advances to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, a tournament that also doubles as the African qualifying pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria, a record ten-time African champion, is expected to field a strong lineup when both West African neighbours clash, with the return leg set for Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Madugu’s faith in local players signals a renewed trust in the NWFL system, which continues to produce technically gifted and tactically aware footballers ready to compete at the international level.

The Super Falcons Full Squad List for for WAFCON qualifying fixture vs Bénin

Goalkeepers

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders

Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)

Midfielders

Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards

Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)

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Last Updated on October 17, 2025 12:50 pm by footballrover