Head coach Justine Madugu has named forward Gift Monday and midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene in a 25-player Super Falcons squad for this month’s international friendlies against Cameroon, while handing Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor her first senior call-up.
The double-header against the Indomitable Lionesses will take place in Yaoundé on Saturday, 28 February, and Tuesday, 3 March, as part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Monday returns after missing last year’s WAFCON triumph in Morocco, where Nigeria claimed their record-extending 10th continental title. The Washington Spirit forward last featured prominently during the 2024 qualifying campaign.
Okobi makes her comeback after a two-year absence from the national team setup. The 32-year-old Ottawa Rapids midfielder last appeared in a major tournament during the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco.
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Defender Chidinma Okeke also returns to the squad, alongside Glory Ogbonna. The Mexico-based Okeke adds depth to a defensive unit already featuring Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Erhabor received her first senior invitation after progressing through the Nigeria U17 setup. The Portsmouth Ladies goalkeeper joins Chiamaka Nnadozie, Anderline Mgbechi, and Fatima Oloko in the goalkeeping department.
Tanzania-based midfielder Precious Christopher earns her first call-up, joining the squad alongside established names Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, and Jennifer Echegini.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the attack, supported by Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide, and Folashade Ijamilusi. Notably absent is six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, despite her form for Saudi club Al Hilal.
Upcoming matches
The friendlies come after the cancellation of the proposed WAFU B four-nation tournament, which left the Super Falcons without competitive action ahead of WAFCON. Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed all arrangements for the Cameroon matches are finalised.
The two nations last met in a friendly ahead of the 2024 WAFCON, with Nigeria recording a 2-0 victory in Abeokuta. Cameroon will host both fixtures this time in what promises to test Madugu’s squad depth.
WAFCON 2026 runs from 17 March to 3 April in Morocco. All four semi-finalists will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
