Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, has named a 24-player squad for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2024.
The team will aim for a record-extending 10th continental title, having dominated African women’s football for decades.
The squad features a mix of experience, youth, and local talent. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently left Atlético Madrid, leads the group. Star striker Asisat Oshoala, who now plays for Bay FC in the United States, also returns.
Other veterans include goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, forward Francisca Ordega, and defender Osinachi Ohale.
Coach Justin Madugu also included dependable midfielders like Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, and Jennifer Echegini. Midfield anchor Deborah Abiodun, who has impressed in the U.S., also made the list.
Ashleigh Plumptre, who plies her trade in Saudi Arabia, and Michelle Alozie from Houston Dash in the U.S., are back in the defensive line-up. Their international exposure adds depth to the backline.
Three home-based players—goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu, defender Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani—earned a spot, proving the coaching crew’s interest in homegrown talent. All three have been standout performers in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.
Training Camp Begins in Abuja Before Final Phase in Lisbon
The team began training in Abuja on Thursday and will continue until Saturday. On Sunday, the Super Falcons will fly to Lisbon, Portugal, for the final phase of preparations.
While in Lisbon, they will face Portugal’s women’s national team on Monday, June 23. After that, they will head to Morocco, where they will play another friendly match against Ghana on June 29. These games are expected to sharpen team chemistry and match readiness ahead of the group stage.
Nigeria will compete in Group B of the WAFCON tournament. Their group includes Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. All group matches will be held at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The tournament is considered a pathway to the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making this edition highly competitive. For the Super Falcons, lifting the WAFCON trophy once again is not just a goal—it is expected.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has backed the team with proper logistics and friendly matches to help the players settle. A strong performance in Morocco will restore national pride, especially after a mixed performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigerians will be watching closely as the Super Falcons prepare to write another chapter in their football history. All eyes will be on stars like Oshoala, Ajibade, and Nnadozie to deliver results.
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