9- goals Monday Gift missing as Madugu names strong 21-player squad for Benin clash

The Super Falcons celebrate winning their 10th WAFCON title | Credit: Instagram

FOOTBALL 9- goals Monday Gift missing as Madugu names strong 21-player squad for Benin clash

9- goals Monday Gift missing as Madugu names strong 21-player squad for Benin clash

Hassan Abdulsalam • 11:35 - 17.10.2025

Super Falcons gear up for WAFCON qualifier against Bénin

Ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qulifiers against Benin Republic, nine goals Monday gift missing as Super Falcons coach Madugu name a formidable squad.

See what First Lady Remi Tinubu said after the Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated Morocco to win their 10th WAFCON title.
Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated Morocco to win their 10th WAFCON title | IMAGO

This clash, a final qualifying fixture for the tournament in Morocco, comes just days after the Super Eagles dashed Bénin's hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

The ten-time WAFCON champions, Nigeria, are overwhelmingly considered the favourites in this crucial tie, which also serves as Africa’s qualifying pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Madugu names strong 21-player squad

Head Coach Justine Madugu has named a 21-player squad for the two-legged affair, featuring a blend of world-class talent and domestic stars.

The contingent includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards.

Leading the squad is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was the Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON, where Nigeria clinched the title.

Ajibade's inclusion follows a recent goal for her new club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in their UEFA Women's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid. She is joined in the midfield by her new PSG teammate, Jennifer Echegini.

Another key figure is Africa's Goalkeeper of the Year for two consecutive years, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who is listed as playing for Brighton & Hove Albion (England).

The defence is bolstered by the likes of Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia), and the experienced Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico).

Up front, the squad boasts significant firepower, including the prolific Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), and Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada).

Midfield general Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) and young talent Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA) are also vital components of the team.

Fixture details

The first leg of the fixture will be held at the Stade Kegue, Lome on a date yet to be specified in the article, as the Bénin Republic does not possess a CAF-approved venue for the match.

The decisive return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The full squad called up by Coach Madugu is as follows:

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) 

Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)