The Super Falcons have suffered an early setback ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic, with midfielder Jennifer Echegini ruled out through a hamstring injury, Afrosport reports.
Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning at the 2024 AFCON final in July, was named in Justin Madugu’s initial 21-player squad for the two legs against Benin. The 24-year-old will now miss the doubleheader after picking up the injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in their league match against Strasbourg on Sunday and will now remain in France for treatment.
Meanwhile, 13 players are now in the Falcons’ camp at the Hotel Sarakawa in Lome, Togo, as they gear up for Friday’s first leg.
Defenders Ashleigh Plumptre and Shukurat Oladipo arrived on Tuesday, joining goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and midfielder Christy Ucheibe, who both joined the squad on Monday. They linked up with early arrivals including Asisat Oshoala, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, and Tosin Demehin.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, and Esther Okoronkwo are expected to join the rest of the squad.
Justine Madugu’s side had their first training session on Monday and are expected to hold another session on Tuesday evening at the Stade Omnisport de Lome.
The Super Falcons, 10-time Africn champions, face Benin’s Amazons in the first leg on Friday, 24 October, at the Stade Kegue in Lome, with the return leg set for Tuesday, 28 October, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
