The Super Falcons of Nigeria have intensified training at the Agbodrafo Academy in Lomé on Wednesday as preparations heat up for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying first-leg clash against Benin Republic on Friday.
Team morale is high as the camp swelled to 19 players following the arrival of five key stars on Tuesday night. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade joined the squad alongside Mexico-based duo Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo, while USA-based Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, and Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo also linked up with the team.
Out of the 21 players invited by head coach Justine Madugu, only Rachael Unachukwu is yet to report to camp. However, midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out through injury after sustaining a hamstring problem during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1–0 win over RC Strasbourg Alsace on Monday.
Echegini, who scored the decisive goal in Nigeria’s WAFCON final victory over Morocco earlier this year, underwent scans that confirmed she would not recover in time for the two-legged tie.
The 19 players currently in camp include Asisat Oshoala, Taiwo Afolabi, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, Joy Omewa, Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Illivieda, Kafayat Mafisere, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Christy Ucheibe, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, Shukurat Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Esther Okoronkwo, Deborah Abiodun, and Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Falcons are expected to round off training on Thursday before facing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in what promises to be a thrilling West African showdown.
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