Erhabor, 20, snubs the Netherlands to accept Nigeria in landmark decision that strengthens Super Falcons' WAFCON defence

20-year-old England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor has delivered a significant boost to coach Justine Madugu's goalkeeping options ahead of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Erhabor's response to the call-up was as immediate as it was heartfelt. "An honour to have received my first senior call-up," she said. "Thank you Jesus."

Her words carry the full weight of a decision years in the making, a young woman of Nigerian heritage, eligible for the Netherlands, choosing the green and white of the Super Falcons at the moment her senior international career begins.

She is one of four goalkeepers in Madugu's 25-woman squad, joining captain Chiamaka Nnadozie, Anderline Mgbechi and Fatima Oloko in what is a deeply competitive group for the gloves.

For Erhabor, developed through the football ecosystem in England, the call-up represents both personal validation and a statement of international intent.

Erhabor is not the only story of note within this selection. Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene returns to the Super Falcons fold after an absence of a couple of years, bringing championship experience back into a midfield that will need composure under WAFCON pressure.

Forward Monday Gift, now based in the United States, also returns after missing Nigeria's triumphant AFCON campaign in Morocco last year, a player returning with something to prove and a squad to reclaim her place in.

Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke makes her own return, while midfielder Precious Christopher, operating out of Tanzania, receives her first call-up to the senior setup, another marker of Madugu's willingness to cast her recruitment net across multiple continents in search of the best available talent.

The experienced core of the squad remains intact. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the group, with forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijeoma Okoronkwo providing proven firepower.

Defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre anchor the backline, while midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi retain their places on the strength of consistent performances.

The two matches against Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses, Saturday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 3 in Yaounde, serve a purpose far greater than friendly preparation.

They are the final competitive examination before Nigeria travel to Morocco for WAFCON, running from March 17 to April 3, where the stakes could not be higher.

The four semi-finalists at the tournament earn automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, meaning every match in Morocco, from the opening group game, carries World Cup implications.

As defending champions and ten-time African title holders, the Super Falcons enter Morocco as the benchmark every other nation is measuring itself against.

Madugu has named a squad that balances the experience of those who won in Morocco last year with the hunger of players like Erhabor, Christopher and others for whom this is the beginning of their story in green and white.