Oshoala, Nnadozie and Ajibade Named in Nigeria’s 23-Woman Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Double-Header

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has confirmed a 23-player Super Falcons squad for two international friendlies against Senegal, with the matches scheduled for 5 and 8 June 2026 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo.

The selection is headlined by three of the country’s most prominent figures: captain Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal forward Asisat Oshoala, and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was on the losing side in a recent Women’s FA Cup final. Their inclusion underlines Madugu’s preference for experienced leadership as the squad enters a demanding summer schedule.

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene of Ottawa Rapids, along with forwards Francisca Ordega — currently with Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia — and Gift Monday of Washington Spirit, have been recalled to the fold. The squad also features a number of players from domestic competition, including home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi of Rivers Angels and defender Blessing Ilivieda of Bayelsa Queens.

Several club champions also earn their places. Defender Shukurat Oladipo and forward Omorinsola Babajide — both of AS Roma — as well as Rinsola Babajide, each arrive having completed title-winning seasons at club level. Meanwhile, overseas-based players across England, France, Sweden, Turkey, Israel, China, Belarus, and the United States fill out the remainder of the roster.

The double-header against Senegal provides both nations with competitive preparation ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, running from 25 July to 16 August. Senegal are placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Algeria and Kenya. Ten-time WAFCON champions Nigeria, meanwhile, face Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C.

The stakes extend well beyond continental glory. The 2026 Women’s AFCON doubles as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four finishers will earn direct berths, while the fifth-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff for a final opportunity to reach the tournament.

Nigeria’s full 23-player squad is as follows — Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels). Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal). Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Kafayat Shittu (Giressunsanayispor, Turkey). Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England), Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus).

Nigeria’s record at the Women’s AFCON remains unmatched on the continent, with ten titles to their name. However, they will face stiff regional competition in 2026, with Morocco and South Africa among the sides considered capable of challenging for the title. The Senegal friendlies represent one of the final preparatory windows before the tournament begins in late July.