Nigeria’s Super Falcons have unveiled a strong 23-player squad for the high-profile international friendlies against Senegal as Six-Time African Queen returns to the squad, Belarus-Based Star also returned and Serie A’s Best Defender was included as Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Mission.
The African champions will face Senegal in a double-header scheduled for June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as Nigeria and head coach Justine Madugu intensifies preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in Morocco.
Madugu’s latest squad combines experienced campaigners, returning stars and emerging talents, staging fierce competition for places ahead of the tournament where Nigeria will be aiming to reclaim the continental crown.
Asisat Oshoala Headlines Key Returns
Leading the list of returnees is Saudi Arabia side and Al Hilal star forward, Asisat Oshoala, whose return provides a significant boost to Nigeria’s attacking options.
The veteran striker is joined by Belarus-based forward, Blessing Nkor, who returns to the national team setup after last featuring in Nigeria’s friendly against France in November 2024.
Women’s Super League duo Toni Payne and Rofiat Imuran have also earned recalls.
For Imuran, the invitation marks her first return to the Super Falcons since representing Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The London City Lionesses defender has impressed in England and now has an opportunity to fight her way back into Madugu’s plans ahead of WAFCON.
Ajibade, Nnadozie and Title-Winning Stars Included
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will once again lead the team, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie keeps her place after another outstanding season in Europe.
Several players who enjoyed trophy-winning campaigns with their clubs have also been rewarded with invitations.
Among them are Christy Ucheibe, Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo.
Oladipo arrives in camp with growing recognition after being named the Best Defender in Italy’s Serie A Women this season, underlining her emergence as one of Nigeria’s most consistent defenders abroad.
Veteran midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene also retained her place in the squad after recently ending a three-year absence from the national team during the friendlies against Cameroon.
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Nkor and Shittu Earn Fresh Opportunities
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Blessing Nkor.
The Belarus-based forward has continued to impress at club level and now has another opportunity to cement her place in the Super Falcons setup.
Turkey-based midfielder, Kafayat Shittu also earned another invitation after a string of impressive performances for Giresun Sanayispor Kulübü.
Her continued inclusion signals Madugu’s confidence in her ability to add depth and creativity in midfield.
Injury Blow for Falcons as Key Stars Miss Out
While several players are returning, some notable names remain unavailable.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre continues her recovery after undergoing surgery and was not considered for selection.
Nigeria will also be without WAFCON 2024 Most Valuable Player, Esther Okoronkwo, who is sidelined through injury.
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun has recovered from injury but has not yet regained regular playing time at club level, meaning she was not included in the squad.
Their absences provide opportunities for other players to stake their claim ahead of the continental championship.
Camp Set to Open in Ikenne
Players are expected to begin arriving in camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of the two matches against Senegal.
The fixtures come after Nigeria missed previous international windows to organize additional preparations for the 2026 WAFCON.
The games are expected to provide Madugu with an important opportunity to assess combinations, evaluate player fitness levels and finalize plans for the tournament.
A Valuable Test for Both Nations
The friendlies are expected to offer both teams valuable preparation ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside
– Egypt,
– Zambia and
– debutants Malawi.
Senegal, meanwhile, will compete in Group A against hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
Full Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies
Goalkeepers
- Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Comfort Erhabor
- Anderline Mgbechi
Defenders
- Oluwatosin Demehin
- Rofiat Imuran
- Shukurat Oladipo
- Blessing Ilivieda
- Glory Ogbonna
- Sikiratu Isah
- Christy Ucheibe
Midfielders
- Halimatu Ayinde
- Rasheedat Ajibade
- Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene
- Toni Payne
- Jennifer Echegini
- Kafayat Shittu
Forwards
- Folashade Ijamilusi
- Rinsola Babajide
- Asisat Oshoala
- Francisca Ordega
- Gift Monday
- Blessing Nkor
- Joy Omewa
Countdown to Morocco Begins
With the road to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gathering momentum, the Super Falcons are beginning to shape their final squad for Morocco.
The return of Oshoala, Payne, Imuran and Nkor adds quality and competition across the squad, while established stars such as Ajibade, Nnadozie, Echegini and Ucheibe provide a strong foundation.
The upcoming clashes against Senegal represent more than just friendly matches for the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
They are an opportunity to build chemistry, answer selection questions and fine-tune a squad determined to reclaim continental supremacy when the tournament kicks off from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco.
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