Nigeria must beat Banyana Banyana to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive.
The Super Falcons have handed starting berths to veterans Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega for their crucial 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off against South Africa.
Coach Justine Madugu also retained goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie despite criticism of her performance during Nigeria’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.
Nnadozie, who has won the CAF Best Goalkeeper award for the past three years, was criticised for her positioning during Cameroon’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Sunday, a result that ended the Falcons’ hopes of defending their WAFCON title and denied them automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Madugu retained a familiar defensive line featuring Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Shukurat Oladipo, while Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini and captain Rasheedat Ajibade start in midfield.
Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu and Ordega will lead Nigeria’s attack against Banyana Banyana.
Nigeria must win the encounter to progress to the intercontinental play-offs and keep alive their record of qualifying for every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
The Super Falcons are among the four WAFCON quarter-final losers, alongside Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, seeking qualification through the play-off route. Ghana secured the other intercontinental play-off ticket after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.
Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at the last Women’s World Cup before losing to eventual finalists England on penalties.