Madugu names Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie in strong Super Falcons roster for Senegal friendlies

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 
 

Super Falcons Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 23-player squad for Nigeria's upcoming international friendly matches against Senegal, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala leading a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents.

The two friendlies, scheduled for June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo, form part of Nigeria's preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Madugu has recalled several seasoned internationals, including midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday, as he continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of the continental showpiece.

The coach has also handed opportunities to Belarus-based forward Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu, both of whom will be hoping to make a strong impression and stake a claim for a place in the WAFCON squad.

Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defender Rofiat Imuran, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah, centre-back Tosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa, are among the players selected for the double-header.

Madugu's list also includes Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Omorinsola Babajide, who arrive in camp on the back of successful domestic campaigns after helping their respective clubs secure league titles during the recently concluded season.

The friendlies offer both teams an important opportunity to assess their readiness ahead of the 2026 WAFCON finals, which will take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

Nigeria, 10-time African champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. 

Senegal will compete in Group A, where they face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.

Beyond continental glory, the stakes at the tournament are particularly high, as WAFCON will also serve as the qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. 
The top four teams will qualify automatically, while the fifth-placed side will earn a place in an intercontinental playoff tournament.

With a mix of proven stars and fresh faces, the upcoming friendlies against Senegal provide Madugu with a valuable opportunity to assess his options as the Super Falcons intensify preparations for another quest for continental supremacy.

THE SQUAD:

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

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