By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Nigeria?s Super Falcons have announced a 21-player squad for their two-legged showdown against B?nin Republic for the 2026 Women?s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

The 2026 WAFCON to be hosted in Morocco, also doubles as Africa?s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women?s World Cup in Brazil.

Days after the senior men?s national team of Nigeria, Super Eagles, dashed B?nin?s dream of a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, Falcons will now aim to complete a double heartbreak for their West African neighbours.

Head coach Justine Madugu has called up a strong and experienced team, headlined by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the Player of the tournament in this year?s WAFCON in Morocco.

She is joined by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa?s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year) as well as Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and six-time CAF Women?s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.

The first leg of the qualifier will be played on Oct. 24 in Lom?, Togo, as Benin does not have a stadium approved by CAF; while the return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta October 28th.

SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFYING FIXTURE VS B?NIN:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens) (NAN)

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