Nigeria’s Super Falcons have announced a 23-woman squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifier against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses — a double-header widely viewed as the most significant test of the Falcons’ current World Cup cycle, with qualification for the continental championship carrying direct implications for the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Justus Eguavoen has retained the bulk of the experienced core that delivered the team’s recent WAFCON third-place finish while introducing three uncapped players who have impressed in the Women’s Super League, Frauen-Bundesliga, and the NWSL respectively.
The headline inclusion is 24-year-old Aston Villa defender Chiamaka Nwosu, one of the standout defenders in the English Women’s Super League this season. Nwosu was eligible for both England and Nigeria and her decision to commit to the Falcons last year was hailed as a significant coup for Nigerian women’s football. Her physical robustness and composure in possession make her one of the most coveted centre-backs in the women’s game.
Asisat Oshoala remains the focal point of the attacking line despite recent media speculation about her future at club level. The 29-year-old, who plays for Bay FC in the NWSL, has lost none of her goalscoring instinct and arrives in camp having scored eight goals in her last twelve club appearances. Her experience and leadership in a young Falcons squad are considered invaluable by the coaching staff.
“Cameroon are one of the best women’s teams in Africa,” Eguavoen acknowledged at the squad announcement. “They are well-organised, physically powerful, and they have players who can hurt you on the counter. We will need to be at our absolute best over both legs. I am confident in this squad — we have the quality to go through.”
The first leg is scheduled at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on May 23rd, with the second leg in Yaounde on May 27th. The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round, with WAFCON 2026 to be hosted in Tanzania.
Squad includes: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Abia Angels). Defenders: Chiamaka Nwosu (Aston Villa), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Osinachi Ohale (EB/Stromur), Ngozi Okobi (IFK Kalmar). Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (Sevilla), Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Halimatu Ayinde (Turkcell). Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Francisca Ordega (Shanghai), Vivian Ikechukwu (Red Star Belgrade), Gift Monday (Benfica).
