Nigeria’s Super Falcons Set to Begin Training in Lomé Ahead of Crucial Women’s AFCON Qualifier Against Benin
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Set to Begin Training in Lomé Ahead of Crucial Women’s AFCON Qualifier Against Benin
Champions Nigeria women’s national team will kick off their training in Lomé, Togo, on Monday as they prepare for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying match against Benin. The first-leg encounter is scheduled for Friday at the Stade de Kégué, which can hold 25,000 spectators.
Notably, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the first players to arrive at the Lomé camp, joined by new invitee Joy Omewa, Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and the home-based players including goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and forward Kafayat Mafisere.
Head Coach Justine Madugu confirmed that training will commence on Monday afternoon as the team prepares for the crucial match against the Béninoise squad. The game will kick off at 3 pm Togo time (4 pm Nigeria time).
This fixture marks the first leg of a two-match series in the qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Morocco. The tournament also serves as the qualifying pathway for Africa’s representation at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Refereeing duties for the match have been assigned to Gambian official Ngum Fatou, with Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees. Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as the fourth official. Niger’s Halimatou Hamidou will be the match commissioner, while Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka will be the referee assessor.
