Nigeria’s Super Falcons will battle Amazons of Benin Republic on Friday in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying round at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
Super Falcons, head coach Justine Madugu has 19 players available for the crucial encounter and says his team is fully focused on securing a decisive first-leg advantage.
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“We have a team that will go out there and make us proud,” Madugu said ahead of the tie.
“Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini), but we can only pray for her quick recovery. On Friday, we’ll play our game and go for the goals that will put us in a strong position for the return leg.”
With Echegini ruled out, Madugu is expected to hand a starting role to US-based midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who will likely line up alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in midfield.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, one of the best in the world, will lead the defensive unit that includes Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashley Plumptre.
The game kicks off at 4pm Nigeria time, with Gambian referee Ngum Fatou appointed to officiate.
The return leg will be played in Nigeria, with the aggregate winner advancing to defend their title at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco, where all semi-finalists will also qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
