Madugu Names Okoronkwo, Ajibade, Others For WAFCON Qualifier Vs Benin Republic

Madugu Names Okoronkwo, Ajibade, Others For WAFCON Qualifier Vs Benin Republic

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Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has called up 21 players including skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo, for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic. 

Nigeria’s team is made up of 21 players made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.

Ajibade was the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON where she led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star will be joined by Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto. 

Ajibade
Aphoto combination of Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie receiving their individual awards at the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco on July 26, 2025.

Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running) is also on the list. Others include regulars like defender Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Veteran Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe are also part of the squad.

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Nigeria’s midfielder #13 Deborah Abiodun and Morocco’s forward #18 Sanaa Mssoudy vie for the ball during the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Morocco and Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

The game between the West African countries is the final qualifying fixture for the 2026 WAFCON to be hosted by Morocco.

The first leg is scheduled for the Stade Kegue, Lome, Togo on Saturday, 25 October while the return fixture will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 

That tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be hosted by Brazil.

Super Falcons
Nigeria’s players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

Nigeria are the defending champions of the WAFCON, beating hosts Morocco to land the record-extending title. 

Full List of Players for Super Falcons Vs Benin Republic WAFCON Qualifier

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) 

Source: Channels TV

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