Nigeria’s Super Falcons have begun camping in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, as preparations intensify for another potential Morocco adventure.
The ten-time African champions are strong favourites to advance from the two-legged encounter, which also serves as the African qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The first leg will take place at the Stade Kégué in Lomé on October 24, as Benin currently lacks a CAF-approved home venue. The return leg is scheduled for October 28 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
Madugu Names 21-Player Squad for Benin Double-Header
Head coach Justine Madugu has announced a 21-player squad featuring a blend of international stars and home-based talents.
Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, recently crowned 2025 WAFCON Player of the Tournament, who scored her first goal for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League last week.
The squad also includes goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion), Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and Asisat Oshoala, all key figures from Nigeria’s title-winning squad.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Anderline Mgbechi, Rachael Unachukwu
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Blessing Ilivieda, Oluwatosin Demehin, Miracle Usani
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade, Taiwo Afolabi, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Folashade Ijamilusi, Kafayat Mafisere
Eight Players Already in Camp
According to the team’s camp update, eight players have already arrived at the Hotel Sarakawa base in Lomé as of Sunday night.
Those present include Asisat Oshoala, Taiwo Afolabi, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, Joy Omewa, Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Ilivieda, and Kafayat Mafisere.
Team officials confirmed that training sessions will commence immediately, with more players expected to join the camp in the coming days.
Nigeria’s Quest for Another Title Begins
Fresh off their WAFCON triumph, the Super Falcons are targeting another WAFCON title, their 11th overall, and a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Under Madugu’s leadership, the Falcons aim to blend experience with emerging talent while extending Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in African women’s football.
Their campaign not only represents a quest for another continental title but also marks the beginning of a new era for women’s football in Nigeria.
