The Nigerian Super Falcons have started their preparations in Lomé, Togo, for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin. The team, led by head coach Justine Madugu, is focusing on fitness and tactical drills to ensure a strong performance in the first leg of this two-legged encounter.

Key Players Present in Camp

Among the early arrivals were Asisat Oshoala, the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, and new invitee Joy Omewa. They were joined by 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. The squad is a mix of experienced internationals and promising new talents.

Match Details and Stakes

The match is scheduled for Friday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, with kick-off at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigerian time). This match is the first leg of a two-legged tie that also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which itself is a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The return leg will be played on October 28, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Officials Appointed for the Match

The match officials include referee Ngum Fatou from Gambia, assisted by Mauritania’s Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye. The fourth official is Isatou Touray from Gambia. Additionally, Niger Republic’s Halimatou Hamidou will serve as match commissioner, and Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka will handle refereeing assessment duties.

Full Squad List

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 Iliveda (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 Fútbol, 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)