Super Falcons midfielder, Jennifer Echegini, who delivered Nigeria’s title-winning goal in the 2024 WAFCON final against hosts Morocco, suffered a hamstring injury while playing for her French club Paris Saint-Germain on Monday night.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder will miss both legs of Nigeria’s final qualifying tie, the first leg on Friday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, and the return leg next Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Neanwhile, Nigeria’s Head Coach, Justine Madugu, says he remains confident in his team’s strength and depth as the Super Falcons prepare to face Benin Republic in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying fixture, even after Jennifer Echegini was ruled out through injury.
Super Falcons Camp Swells with Key Arrivals
The squad continues to take shape in Lomé, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, also of PSG is expected to arrive on Tuesday night, alongside the Mexico-based pair of Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Also scheduled to join are the USA-based duo of Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo, and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.
By Monday night, the team’s camp had grown from nine to eleven players following the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC in France.
The group received a further boost on Tuesday afternoon with the arrival of Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, who last featured for Nigeria during the Olympic qualifiers earlier this year.
Team officials confirmed that all other invited players are expected before Wednesday evening’s first full training session, as preparations intensify for the first-leg showdown.
Nigeria Eye 15th Consecutive WAFCON Appearance
Nigeria, ten-time African champions, are bidding to qualify for their 15th consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they have dominated since its inception.
The Super Falcons clinched their record-extending 10th title in 2024, defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in Rabat.
The first leg between Benin Republic and Nigeria will take place on Friday, October 24, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. local time.
The second leg follows on Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, where the Super Falcons are expected to enjoy strong home support.
Victory over the Squirrels across both legs will seal Nigeria’s passage to Morocco 2026, where they will attempt to extend their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
