Boluwatife Kehinde
Midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out due to injury before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Benin Republic.
The 24-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1–0 league victory over RC Strasbourg Alsace on Monday night. Scans later confirmed that she would not be fit in time for the upcoming two-legged qualifier.
The Super Falcons camp in Lomé welcomed additional players on Tuesday as preparations continued for Friday’s first leg at the Stade de Kégué. Despite Echegini’s absence, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG, arrived late on Tuesday night, along with the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and striker Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The 10-time champions also welcomed Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo, and Shukurat Oladipo.
The arrival of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on Monday night earlier increased the number of players in camp to 11. Additionally, Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre joined the team on Tuesday afternoon.
The Stade de Kégué in Lomé will host the match on Friday, where Nigeria, a 10-time African champion, will face Benin at 4 pm. The reverse fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
However, this tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
