The Super Falcons have settled into camp in Lomé, Togo, as preparations begin for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against the Benin Republic on Friday.
Six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was one of the first players to arrive at the Super Falcons’ camp, setting the tone for a busy week of training.
She was joined by new invitee Joy Omewa, Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and five home-based players: Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Ilivieda, Miracle Usani, Taiwo Afolabi, and Kafayat Mafisere.
Head coach Justine Madugu confirmed that training would begin on Monday afternoon, with the focus squarely on fitness and tactical drills ahead of the first-leg tie. “The girls are arriving in good spirits, and we’re focused on getting them ready for Friday’s game,” Madugu said.
The match is scheduled to take place at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in Lomé and will kick off at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. in Nigeria).
It marks the first leg of a two-legged encounter between the West African neighbours, as both sides aim to secure a spot in next year’s WAFCON in Morocco, a tournament that also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The second leg will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
CAF has appointed Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to officiate the encounter. She will be assisted by Mauritania’s Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye, while another Gambian, Isatou Touray, will serve as the fourth official.
Niger Republic’s Halimatou Hamidou will act as match commissioner, and Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka will oversee refereeing assessment duties.
Below is the Super Falcons’ full squad for the qualifiers against the Benin Republic:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels), Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens), Tosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico), Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring FC, Denmark), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
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