13th WAFCON: Oshoala Makes Surprise Return as Madugu Names 24 for Morocco 2024

Posted : 20 June 2025

In a dramatic twist, former Super Falcons captain and Nigeria’s most decorated female footballer, Asisat Oshoala, has made a surprise return to the national team squad for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Oshoala, 30, a four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, has been absent from recent Super Falcons matches and was omitted from previous call-ups. However, she has now been named in the 24-player list released by Head Coach Justine Madugu for the continental showpiece taking place from July 5 to 26, 2024.

Also included in the squad are team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and experienced forward Francisca Ordega.

A large portion of the squad has already begun training in Abuja, with sessions scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, before departing for a final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday morning.

Coach Madugu also called up Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, American-born star Michelle Alozie, veteran centre-back Osinachi Ohale, and midfield regulars Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and Christy Ucheibe.

Home-based talents such as goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani made the final cut, while midfield powerhouse Halimatu Ayinde returns to the squad.

To sharpen the team’s readiness, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lined up two high-profile friendly matches, against Portugal on Monday, June 23 in Lisbon, and against the Black Queens of Ghana on Saturday, June 29 in Morocco.

Nigeria will play in Group B at WAFCON 2024, facing Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Full Super Falcons Squad for 13th WAFCON Finals:

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Just concluded contract with Paris FC, France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico)
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Just concluded contract with Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenborg, Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards:

Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

13th WAFCON: Oshoala Makes Surprise Return as Madugu Names 24 for Morocco 2024

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