Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered a setback just days before their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic.
Midfield star Jennifer Echegini, the hero of Nigeria’s AFCON final win over Morocco earlier this year, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old picked up the injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1–0 victory over Strasbourg on October 20, 2025. Despite completing the match, she later reported discomfort, and medical scans confirmed she would miss both legs of the qualifier.
Her absence is a significant loss for the 10-time African champions as they push to secure a place at the 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, a vital qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Camp Opens in Lomé
Despite the injury setback, the Super Falcons began assembling in Lomé on October 21 ahead of Friday’s clash at the Stade de Kégué.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade led the latest arrivals, joining Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo from Mexico. The squad also welcomed Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun from the USA, Esther Okoronkwo from Canada, and Shukurat Oladipo from Italy.
Earlier arrivals included Christy Ucheibe from Portugal, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Ashley Plumptre from Saudi Arabia. With 11 players now in camp, Coach Randy Waldrum is fine-tuning tactics and formations for the high-stakes fixture.
All Eyes on Friday’s Clash
The Super Falcons will take on Benin Republic on October 24 at the 25,000-seat Stade de Kégué in Lomé. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Nigerian time.
The second leg will follow on October 28 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with the aggregate winner qualifying for the 2026 Women’s AFCON, a major step toward next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Gambia’s Ngum Fatou will officiate the first leg, assisted by Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye from Mauritania. Isatou Touray (Gambia) will serve as the fourth official, while Niger’s Halimatou Hamidou and Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka have been appointed as match commissioner and referee assessor.
Falcons Look to Their Depth
Echegini’s injury is a blow, given her creativity and attacking presence, but the Super Falcons remain confident. With Ajibade leading a strong squad drawn from top leagues around the world, Coach Waldrum still has plenty of firepower.
The team’s depth gives Nigeria a tactical edge. Waldrum is expected to reshuffle the midfield, giving younger players an opportunity to step up and maintain Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Road to Morocco 2026
The Women’s AFCON isn’t just about regional supremacy—it’s also a gateway to the global stage. For Nigeria, the Benin clash is crucial to keeping their AFCON and World Cup hopes alive.
Fans across Nigeria have flooded social media with encouraging messages, backing the Falcons to overcome the challenge. With ten AFCON titles, expectations remain sky-high as the squad prepares for another defining campaign.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the nation watches closely. The Super Falcons are ready to rise again, fight for qualification, and defend their continental crown.
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