Just days after the Super Eagles ended Benin Republic’s dream of a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, Nigeria’s senior women’s team, the Super Falcons, are gearing up to deny their female counterparts a spot at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Both West African neighbours will face off in the final qualifying round for the 2026 WAFCON, which will be hosted by Morocco and serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ten-time African champions Nigeria head into the tie as overwhelming favourites, boasting superior quality and experience across all departments.

Head coach Justin Madugu has called up 21 players for the two-legged fixture, which begins with the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, as Benin currently lacks a CAF-approved home venue.

The squad features several of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently scored for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Real Madrid. Also on the list are Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year for two consecutive seasons, defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and attacking duo Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Other notable inclusions are Mexico-based veteran Osinachi Ohale, midfield enforcer Christy Ucheibe, and lively forward Esther Okoronkwo.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, where the Falcons will look to seal qualification in front of home fans.

Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON Qualifiers vs. Benin

Goalkeepers:

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

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, 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, 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 (Pachuca CF, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)