Super Falcons of Nigeria celebrate victory against South Africa [Photo credit/IMAGO]
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will have to navigate their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying doubleheader against Benin Republic without star midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who has been ruled out through injury, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder sustained a hamstring injury during her club’s French league match on Monday night and has been withdrawn from the squad for both legs of the tie.
No replacement has been called up as at press time.
Echegini, who famously scored Nigeria’s winning goal in the 2024 WAFCON final against hosts Morocco, had been a key figure in coach Justine Madugu’s midfield plans. Her absence is a significant blow, but Madugu insists the Falcons remain upbeat about their chances.
The first leg takes place on Thursday, October 23, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, while the return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG, is expected to lead the charge alongside in-form forward Esther Okoronkwo, and veteran defender Osinachi Ohale. Others in camp include goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun, and defender Ashley Plumptre, who joined the team on Tuesday afternoon.
The Falcons’ camp in Lomé has swelled to 11 players, with more expected to arrive before the final training session on Wednesday evening.
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Benin Republic vow to challenge WAFCON champions, Nigeria
While Nigeria prepare to defend their continental crown, Benin Republic are brimming with belief.
Their head coach Abdoulaye Ouzerou has declared that his side will not be cowed by Nigeria’s history or reputation.
“We’re not afraid of Nigeria,” Ouzerou said ahead of Thursday’s encounter. “If you’re physically and technically inferior, you must compensate mentally—and mentally, we are ready. We’ll rely heavily on that spirit.”
Ouzerou, who unveiled a young and energetic squad, admitted that the gap in experience and talent is wide but insists football is not decided solely by statistics or skill.
“There’s no comparison possible physically and technically; we know that. But mentally, I believe we can make up for those differences,” he added.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, record 10-time WAFCON champions, remain overwhelming favourites to progress. But Benin see this as a golden opportunity to test their progress and perhaps spring an unlikely upset against Africa’s most successful women’s team.