Cynthia Ezegwu
Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, have opened camp in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying fixture against the Benin Republic.
The team’s Head Coach, Justine Madugu, confirmed that training sessions will commence on Monday afternoon as preparations intensify for Friday’s first-leg clash at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué.
Among the early arrivals in camp are six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new invitee Joy Omewa, and Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin. They are joined by China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and five home-based players — goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and forward Kafayat Mafisere.
The match in Lomé will kick off at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigerian time). It will be hosted in Togo as Benin Republic currently lacks a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadium.
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CAF has appointed Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to officiate the match, assisted by Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye. Another Gambian, Isatou Touray, will serve as the fourth official, while Niger’s Halimatou Hamidou and Malawi’s Martha Nyekanyeka will act as match commissioner and referee assessor respectively.
The return leg is scheduled for October 28 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The 2026 WAFCON, to be hosted by Morocco, will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.