Nigeria midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out of the Super Falcons’ 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Benin Republic due to injury.
Echegini sustained a hamstring injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1–0 league win over RC Strasbourg Alsace on Monday night. Scans later confirmed she would not recover in time for the two-legged qualifier.
Despite her absence, the Super Falcons’ preparations continue in Lomé ahead of the first leg, set to take place on Friday at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM Nigerian time.
Meanwhile, Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG, arrived in camp late Tuesday night, along with Mexico-based players Osinachi Ohale (defender) and Chinwendu Ihezuo (striker). Other key arrivals include USA-based Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo, and Shukurat Oladipo.
Nigeria, 10-time champions of Africa, will host the return leg on Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
The winner of the tie will book a spot at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco which also serves as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
