Justine Madugu names Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie in 23-woman squad for Senegal friendlies
Nigeria's senior women's national team head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 23-player squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Senegal, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and experienced striker Asisat Oshoala leading the list.
The two-match series forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the nine-time African champions continue their build-up to the continental showpiece.
Madugu has recalled several familiar faces, including midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and attacking duo Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday. The squad also offers fresh opportunities for Belarus-based forward Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu, who will be hoping to make a strong impression in national colours.
Among the players retained are defenders Rofiat Imuran, Sikiratu Isah and Tosin Demehin, while midfield stalwarts Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne also make the cut. Rising forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa have earned places in the squad alongside some of the team’s established stars.
League-winning trio Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, and Omorinsola Babajide, who enjoyed successful domestic campaigns with their respective clubs, have also been rewarded with invitations.
The Super Falcons will welcome Senegal to the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo for the first friendly on Friday, June 5, before both sides meet again at the same venue on Monday, June 8.
The matches provide a valuable test for both nations ahead of the 2026 WAFCON finals, scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
Senegal will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya, while Nigeria have been drawn in a challenging Group C featuring Egypt, Zambia, and tournament debutants Malawi.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament carries added significance as it will double as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will secure automatic qualification, while the fifth-placed side will advance to an intercontinental playoff for another chance to reach the global tournament.
Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders:
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, Sweden), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada), Toni Payne (Everton Women, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Kafayat Shittu (Giresun Sanayispor, Turkey)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England), Francisca Ordega (Al Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus).
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
