A New Dawn for Nigerian Women’s Football
The Super Falcons aim for an 11th WAFCON title, Ashleigh Plumptre misses out through injury, the Flamingos qualify for the U17 World Cup, and Toni Payne joins Inter Milan.
Nigerian women’s football is experiencing a moment of profound vitality. As the Super Falcons prepare to defend their continental crown in Morocco, the next generation has secured its place on the global stage, and one of the team’s key midfielders has secured a dream move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. It is a weekend that underscores the depth, ambition and enduring appeal of the women’s game in Nigeria.
The Falcons’ Title Defence
Head coach Justine Madugu has named a 25-player squad for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on 26 July. The squad is a blend of experience and emerging talent, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Asisat Oshoala. The cup-holders, gunning for a record-extending 11th title, are drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi.
The tournament, which will feature 16 teams for the first time, offers more than just continental glory. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic spots at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to the intercontinental playoffs. The Super Falcons, ever-present at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the inaugural edition 35 years ago, edged hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final to secure their 10th continental title last summer.
Plumptre’s Absence and a Call to Arms
One notable absentee from the squad is defender Ashleigh Plumptre. The Saudi Arabia-based defender shared an emotional message on her X page, explaining she is still recovering from injury. “The body is asking for more time and I’m listening,” Plumptre wrote. “Sad to be missing this WAFCON yet hopeful in the prospect of getting to fight alongside these women again with the support of Nigerians everywhere when the body is ready to compete again”.
Plumptre’s absence is a significant blow. The former Leicester City defender was a key member of the side that won the title last year, playing an important role in the dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final. Since switching allegiance from England, she has become one of Nigeria’s most dependable defenders.
Despite her disappointment, Plumptre used the moment to rally support for the team. “Back these women, back them on their quest for victory once more. Go easy on them, they need you. I am with you ladies. Naija no dey carry last,” she wrote. Her words are a reminder that the Super Falcons are not just a team; they are a symbol of national pride.
The Flamingos’ World Cup Qualification
While the senior team prepares for Morocco, the future of Nigerian women’s football is already making its mark. The U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Benin in the second-leg playoff, completing an 8-5 aggregate win.
The Flamingos were dominant throughout the qualification campaign, beginning with an emphatic 11-0 aggregate demolition of Guinea in the second round. Harmony Chidi starred with five goals, while Queen Joseph, who completed a hat-trick in the decisive playoff, emerged as a key figure.
The 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco from 17 October to 7 November. The Flamingos will look to build on Nigeria’s proud record at the tournament, where they achieved their best-ever finish by winning the bronze medal in 2022 before reaching the quarter-finals in 2024.
Payne’s Inter Milan Move
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has completed a move to Italian Serie A Femminile giants Inter Milan Women. The 31-year-old joins after two productive seasons with Everton, where she made 50 appearances following her arrival from Sevilla in 2024. Speaking after completing the transfer, Payne expressed her excitement at joining one of Italy’s biggest clubs. “I’m really excited to be signing for Inter. There’s so much history at the club, and I’m really happy to be a part of it,” Payne told the club’s official website. “I’m in a different phase of my career. I’m really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that is striving for great things”.
Payne began her professional journey in Europe with Dutch powerhouse Ajax in 2017 before moving to Sevilla a year later. During six impressive seasons in Spain, she established herself as one of Liga F’s most consistent attacking midfielders. Although she represented the United States at the youth level, Payne committed her international future to Nigeria in 2021.
Payne believes her style of play is well-suited to Italian football. “I think I have a couple of qualities that I can demonstrate here, so I’m excited to do that in the upcoming seasons. I think I have a lot of speed; I like to dribble a lot and put in good crosses. I really hope those qualities can help Inter a lot, and I’m eager to get started”. Her arrival further strengthens Nigeria’s growing representation in Italy’s top-flight women’s league, where compatriots Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo also play.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who will lead the team in Morocco, has been a consistent performer for both club and country. Her leadership will be crucial as the Falcons aim to extend their dominance. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as Africa’s best goalkeeper, provides a solid foundation at the back. Forward Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, brings unmatched experience and goal-scoring prowess.
Midfielder Jennifer Echegini has emerged as a key player in the squad, while defender Osinachi Ohale continues to provide stability in the backline. The squad also features home-based talent like goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, highlighting the depth of talent within the Nigerian league.
The Road Ahead
The Super Falcons’ campaign in Morocco represents an opportunity to cement their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. The expanded tournament format means the competition will be fiercer than ever, with 16 teams vying for continental supremacy. For the Flamingos, the U17 World Cup offers a chance to build on Nigeria’s proud record at the youth level.
The winners: Nigerian women’s football, which is thriving at both senior and youth levels; the Super Falcons, who have a chance to extend their record; the Flamingos, who have qualified for a global tournament; and Toni Payne, who has secured a move to a European giant. The losers: Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses out through injury, and the opposition teams that will face a resurgent Nigeria.
Bottom Line: The Super Falcons are chasing an 11th title, the Flamingos are going to the World Cup, and Toni Payne is heading to Inter Milan. Nigerian women’s football has never been stronger. The question is whether the country will give it the support it deserves.