The Super Falcons have kicked off their training sessions in Lomé, Togo, as they prepare for the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying clash against Benin Republic.
According to team updates on Monday evening, the opening session went smoothly, marking the official start of the team’s final phase of preparation. Defender Tosin Demehin was the latest player to report to camp, bringing the number of available players to nine.
Among those already training are six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new call-up Joy Omewa, and China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi. They are joined by the home-based group, goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and striker Kafayat Mafisere.
Head coach Justine Madugu expressed satisfaction with the players’ early commitment and intensity, noting that the camp atmosphere was “focused and full of energy.” He revealed that tactical and technical drills will continue through the week as the squad sharpens its strategies for the crucial encounter.
The nine-time African champions will face the Benin Republic women’s team on Friday at the Stade de Kégué, a 25,000-capacity stadium in Lomé. The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. (Nigerian time).
This final qualifying round is not just a gateway to next year’s WAFCON in Morocco, but also part of Africa’s pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Brazil.
The return leg between Nigeria and Benin will be staged on Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
For match officiating, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assigned Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to handle proceedings, assisted by Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye from Mauritania. Isatou Touray, also from Gambia, will serve as the fourth official, while Halimatou Hamidou of Niger will be the match commissioner. Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will function as the referee assessor.
With momentum building and top stars arriving, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting step toward defending their dominance in African women’s football.
