Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a strong 24-player squad for the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, returning ed to the squad.

Nigeria is set to embark on its mission to secure a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

Leading the charge are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and experienced forwards Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala, who headline a star-studded selection brimming with talent and international experience.

Madugu’s lineup features a blend of experienced talents and emerging stars, with fan favourites Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Osinachi Ohale included. The likes of Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, and the returning Halimatu Ayinde will provide midfield dynamism.

Three home-based players: goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani also made the final list, reflecting the coach’s intent to reward domestic league performances.

Key friendlies scheduled

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lined up warm-up games against Portugal on June 23 in Lisbon and Ghana’s Black Queens on June 29 in Morocco.

These fixtures aim to sharpen the Falcons ahead of their Group B clashes against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, all set to take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); 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); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, America) Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)