Head Coach Justine Madugu remains hopeful regarding Nigeria’s chances in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying match against the Bénin Republic, despite facing a significant setback with the withdrawal of key midfielder Jennifer Echegini.
The Paris Saint-Germain player suffered a hamstring injury during her club’s league game on Monday night, which has ruled her out of both legs of the final qualifying match.
Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s crucial goal in the 2024 WAFCON final against the host nation Morocco in [oo1] Rabat, will be absent for the first leg on Friday at the Stade de Kégué, Lomé, as well as the return leg set for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Although her absence is a setback for the Super Falcons, Madugu is confident that the team possesses sufficient depth to achieve qualification.
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Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, also from PSG, is anticipated to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, accompanied by Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo (Mexico), Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun (USA), Esther Okoronkwo (Canada), and Shukurat Oladipo (Italy).
The Falcons’ camp expanded to 11 players on Monday night with the arrival of Christy Ucheibe (Portugal) and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while Ashley Plumptre (Saudi Arabia) is expected to join on Tuesday afternoon.
In another development, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, faces a critical challenge in their second FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Group D match against France, following a disappointing 4–1 defeat to Canada in their opening game.
This match, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in Rabat, is crucial for Nigeria’s hopes of advancing.
The upcoming match brings back memories of their 2012 quarter-final clash in Azerbaijan, where France narrowly defeated Nigeria 5–3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Currently at the bottom of the group with no points and a 3 goal difference, the Flamingos must aim for at least a draw to remain in the competition, although a victory would significantly enhance their chances.
