By SCM Reporter I Friday, Oct 17, 2025
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Super Falcons of Nigeria are gearing up to deliver a brutal one-two punch to their West African neighbours, Bénin Republic, just days after the Nigerian men’s team famously ended Bénin’s World Cup dreams.
Now it’s the women’s turn to stop their rivals from reaching the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations!
Ten-time African champions Nigeria are massive favourites, boasting a squad packed with Europe’s elite, making them the ultimate overdogs in this final qualifying fixture.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has pulled out all the stops, naming a 21-player squad that is truly world-class, featuring Africa’s top talent from clubs across the globe.
Leading the charge is superstar skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, who was crowned Player of the Tournament when Nigeria lifted the last Women’s AFCON trophy. Ajibade is in red-hot form, having just netted a goal for her new French powerhouse club, PSG, in their massive UEFA Women’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid on Thursday night.
She’s not the only big name! Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who’s been Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running, is between the sticks.
She’ll be marshalled by the reliable defensive duo of Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, while goal-machine Asisat Oshoala is also in the attack.
The Falcons start their mission in Lome, Togo, because–get this–Bénin don’t even have a stadium good enough for the African football big boys! The return leg is then set for Nigeria on Tuesday, October 28th.
With the AFCON tournament in Morocco also serving as a gateway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, this isn’t just about regional bragging rights—it’s about a ticket to the globe’s biggest party!
SUPER FALCONS SQUAD
Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England)
Defender: Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Defender : Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielder: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France)
Forward: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)
