Summary: Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forward Gift Monday have returned to the Nigeria women’s national football team squad for upcoming friendly matches against Cameroon as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forward Gift Monday have returned to the Nigeria women’s national football team squad after head coach Justine Madugu named a 25-player list for this month’s friendly matches against Cameroon.
The nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions will face the Indomitable Lionesses in a two-match friendly in Yaoundé on February 28 and March 4, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming continental tournament.
Ngozi last featured for Nigeria at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while Gift was omitted from the squad for the 2024 edition held in Morocco in 2025. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo were also included in the squad.
England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor received her first call-up, while defender Chidinma Okeke returns to the team. Midfielder Precious Christopher also earned a maiden invitation. Defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre made the list.
Other midfielders named include Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, while forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi were selected. However, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was not included in the squad.
The friendlies form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to hold in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
