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Nigeria have unveiled a strong 21-player squad for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying double-header against Benin Republic, with Denmark-based striker Joy Omewa handed her long-awaited first call-up, Footynaija.com reports.
Head coach Justin Madugu’s list blends experience with new energy, featuring captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe.
Omewa, currently the top-scoring Nigerian female footballer in Europe with Fortuna Hjørring, finally gets her chance after narrowly missing the WAFCON squad earlier this year.
Ajibade, fresh from scoring for PSG in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, leads a forward line packed with firepower, including Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Esther Okoronkwo, who was recently named AFC Toronto’s Player of the Month.
In midfield, Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun provide creativity, while Ucheibe adds grit and stability.
The first leg of the tie will be played at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, as Benin lack a CAF-approved home venue. The return leg is scheduled for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on 28 October.
Nigeria, ten-time African champions, are heavy favourites to progress and will be keen to extend their unbeaten qualification record. The 2026 WAFCON, to be hosted by Morocco, will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
FULL LIST: SUPER FALCONS 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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