Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, have begun assembling in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying clash against Benin Republic.
Among the early arrivals in camp are six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new invitee Joy Omewa, and Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin.
Others already in camp include China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and five home-based players — goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and striker Kafayat Mafisere.
Head Coach Justin Madugu confirmed that training sessions will begin on Monday afternoon as preparations intensify for the first-leg encounter scheduled for Friday, October 18, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The match, which kicks off at 3 p.m. Togo time (4 p.m. Nigeria time), will be played in Lomé since Benin Republic currently has no CAF-approved stadium.
The return leg is set for October 28 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
CAF has appointed Ngum Fatou from The Gambia as centre referee, with Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye (both from Mauritania) serving as assistant referees. Isatou Touray (Gambia) will act as the fourth official, while Halimatou Hamidou (Niger) is the match commissioner and Martha Nyekanyeka (Malawi) will serve as referee assessor.
The two-leg fixture will determine Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, which also doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Super Falcons squad for WAFCON qualifiers vs Benin:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons).
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Al Ittihad Ladies, 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 CF, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens).
