Teenage goalkeeper Fatima Oloko says she is thrilled to earn her first call-up to Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Abia Angels shot-stopper described the selection as a major early career milestone and suggested it is only the beginning of more achievements to come.
Quick facts
- Fatima Oloko received her first-ever invitation to Nigeria’s Super Falcons for WAFCON 2026.
- The 18-year-old goalkeeper plays for Abia Angels.
- She was named in head coach Justine Madugu’s final 25-player squad.
- The tournament is scheduled in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
- Oloko is the only player from the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) to make the final squad.
- Oloko posted her reaction on Threads: “Thank you Lord Jesus, my first of many to come.”
- Nigeria enter as defending champions, chasing a record 11th WAFCON title.
- Nigeria are in Group C with Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
- WAFCON also acts as a key route toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Oloko, who is just 18, was selected in the ultimate squad of 25 assembled by head coach Justine Madugu for the continental showpiece. WAFCON 2026 will take place in Morocco between July 25 and August 16.
Her inclusion stands out because she is the lone representative from the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) in Madugu’s final group. It underlines the upward trajectory of the domestic competition, particularly at a time when overseas-based players have often dominated national-team selections.
After the announcement, the goalkeeper reacted on her Threads account, writing: “Thank you Lord Jesus, my first of many to come.”
Abia Angels form earns the call
Oloko’s spot follows a standout run with Abia Angels, where she quickly established herself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Her performances included important saves and multiple clean sheets, and they proved decisive as the team reached the NWFL Super Six for the first time in their history.
Nigeria will begin the tournament as defending champions, with their sights set on extending their record by winning a 11th WAFCON title. The Super Falcons have been placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
The competition also carries extra weight beyond continental glory, with WAFCON functioning as a crucial step in the pathway toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
