Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled his 25-player Super Falcons squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with four players set for their tournament debuts, while experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses out due to injury.

The quartet of Comfort Erhabor, Rofiat Imuran, Joy Omewa and Fatima Oloko have earned their maiden WAFCON call-ups after impressing at club level and during recent national team engagements.

Madugu has largely retained the backbone of the squad that will defend Nigeria’s continental crown, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne and Halimatu Ayinde, alongside attacking stars Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu all making the final cut.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the absence of Ashleigh Plumptre, who has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from an injury sustained towards the end of last season. The versatile defender, who played a key role in Nigeria’s successful title-winning campaign, is one of the notable casualties ahead of the competition.

Among the debutants, Fatima Oloko receives her first WAFCON invitation following an outstanding Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) season with Abia Angels, while Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses) and Joy Omewa (BK Häcken) also earn their maiden places in Nigeria’s squad for Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

Nigeria, seeking a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi, with all their group-stage matches scheduled to be played in Rabat.

The Super Falcons head to Morocco as defending champions after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in last year’s final and will be aiming to extend their dominance on the continent.

The 62-year-old Ballon d'Or nominee will be hoping to guide the West Africans to an 11th title on his seventh appearance and second as substantive head coach.

The expanded 16-team tournament, scheduled for July 26 to August 16, 2026, will also serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification, while the fifth-placed team advances to the intercontinental playoffs.