- Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads Nigeria's starting XI against Benin Republic in the 2026 WAFCON qualifier; veteran Asisat Oshoala is named as a substitute.
- Nnadozie, Alozie, Ohale, and Plumptre feature in the defensive line for the Super Falcons' crucial first-leg match in Lomé, Togo.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have confirmed their starting lineup for the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Benin Republic's Amazons, taking place in Lomé today.
Coach Justine Madugu has named a strong side featuring an experienced defensive core and Rasheedat Ajibade leading the team as captain from an advanced role.
Notably, six-time African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has been named among the substitutes.
Team News 📋
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 24, 2025
🧤 Nnadozie starts between the sticks
🆕 Taiwo Afolabi makes her Super Falcons debut
🎽 Osinachi Ohale clocks her 80th appearance
⭐️ Esther Okoronkwo leads the attack
Let’s begin the mission strong 🦅💪🏽#SoarSuperFalcons #RoadToXI #WAFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/DiFLTIx8ui
The team's goal will be marshaled by world-class goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The defense sees the familiar presence of Michelle Alozie at right-back, with veteran Osinachi Ohale partnering Tosin Demehin at the heart, alongside Ashleigh Plumptre at left-back.
Falconets star Taiwo Afolabi will make her senior debut in midfield alongside Washington Spirits's Deborah Abiodun, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade at the attacking midfield.
The forward line will be spearheaded by Canadian Northern Super League star and WAFCON heroine Esther Okoromkwo, with Pachuca's Chinwendu Ihezuo and China-based Folashade Ijamilisi providing support from the wings
The match is a crucial step for the Super Falcons as they begin their journey to qualify for the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
STARTING XI: Nnadozie, Ohale, Demehin, Alozie, Plumptre, Afolabi, Abiodun, Ajibade, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi.
SUBS: Mgbechi, Usani, Oladipo, Iliveida, Oshoala, Omewa, Ucheibe.
Ejim Kaycee
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