Falcons intensify training ahead Benin clash News

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Falcons intensify training ahead Benin clash

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 23, 2025

The Super Falcons have intensified training at the Agbodrafo Academy in Lomé on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying first-leg clash against Benin Republic, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The camp now has 19 players following the arrival of five more stars on Tuesday night, with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade joining the squad alongside Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and striker Chinwendu Ihezuo.

USA-based stars Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, as well as Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo, also linked up with the team on Tuesday night.

Out of 21 players called up by coach Justine Madugu, only midfielder Rachael Unachukwu is yet to arrive in camp, whilst midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out through injury.

Echegini, who scored the winning goal in Nigeria’s Women’s AFCON final victory over Morocco earlier this year, sustained a hamstring injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 league win over RC Strasbourg Alsace on Monday night. The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes before reporting discomfort after the match, and scans later confirmed she would not be fit in time for the two-legged qualifier.

The 19 players currently in camp are 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, Ihezuo, Ohale, Alozie, Esther Okoronkwo, Abiodun and Ajibade.

The arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Ucheibe and goalkeeper Nnadozie on Monday night had earlier increased the number of players in camp to 11, while Saudi Arabia-based defender Plumptre linked up with the team on Tuesday afternoon. Italy-based defender Oladipo was also among the earlier arrivals.

Nigeria, 10-time African champions, will face Benin at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time.

The reverse fixture is set for Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

The tie will determine which team secures a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament that also serves as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

CAF has appointed Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to officiate the first leg, assisted by Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye. Gambian Isatou Touray will act as fourth official, while Niger’s Halimatou Hamidou and Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka will serve as match commissioner and referee assessor respectively.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 23, 2025