Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has released the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad, selecting 25 players to face Cameroon in two international warm-up matches scheduled to hold in Yaoundé later this month.
The announcement of the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad signals the beginning of Nigeria’s final preparations ahead of the continental showpiece, with Madugu opting for a blend of experience, form players, and emerging talent across Europe, Africa, and North America.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade headlines the list, reinforcing her leadership status after consistently delivering “top-level performances” at club and international level. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also returns as the first-choice option, offering reliability, command, and tournament pedigree between the posts.
Madugu’s selection underlines a tactical emphasis on continuity, as several players from Nigeria’s last continental triumph were retained.
Forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo remain key attacking options, while their inclusion reflects what the coach described as “reward for commitment and work ethic.”
One of the notable returns in the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad is midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who comes back into the team after spending recent years outside the national setup. Her experience and composure are expected to “add balance and maturity” to Nigeria’s midfield structure.
Gift Monday also earns a recall, with Madugu acknowledging that her absence from the last tournament was “circumstantial rather than performance-based.” The forward’s return adds pace, pressing intensity, and goal threat as the team sharpens its attacking combinations.
A major talking point surrounding the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad is the first-time call-up of England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor. Her inclusion reflects the technical crew’s commitment to widening competition, particularly in specialist positions.
Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke also returns to the squad, reinforcing defensive depth. Her experience across different leagues aligns with Madugu’s philosophy of “versatility and adaptability” in defensive rotations.
Midfielder Precious Christopher, currently plying her trade in Tanzania, joins the national team for the first time. Her selection is widely viewed as a strategic investment in future squad depth while testing her readiness for international football.
The defensive unit retains a familiar look, with Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre maintaining their places. Their continued presence reflects stability and tactical understanding, qualities crucial in tournament football.
In midfield, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, and Jennifer Echegini remain integral to the team’s structure. Their combination of ball recovery, progression, and transitional play forms the backbone of Nigeria’s game model.
Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi keep their attacking roles, ensuring wide options and flexibility in forward deployment. According to team insiders, the focus of the friendlies will be “execution rather than experimentation.”
The first fixture against Cameroon is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, with the second match holding on Tuesday, March 3. Both encounters are expected to provide “high-intensity opposition,” given the historic rivalry between the two nations.
Madugu confirmed that the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad will be used to test match fitness, tactical cohesion, and player chemistry ahead of the tournament proper.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt, a grouping Madugu described as “competitive but navigable.” He stressed that the technical crew is “fully aware of the demands” each opponent presents.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, with all four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With qualification at stake, the WAFCON 2026 Cameroon friendlies squad represents a critical checkpoint in Nigeria’s roadmap, combining proven winners with carefully selected reinforcements.
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Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko, Anderline Mgbechi
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Chidinma Okeke
Midfielders:
Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Precious Christopher
Forwards:
Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, Rinsola Babajide
