Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered a setback ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic, as midfielder Jennifer Echegini has been ruled out due to injury.
Echegini sustained a hamstring injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 victory over Strasbourg on Sunday, forcing her out of both legs of the final qualifying round.
The 23-year-old, who netted Nigeria’s decisive goal in the 2024 WAFCON final against hosts Morocco in Rabat, will miss the first leg in Lomé on Friday and the return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, 13 players have already reported to the Super Falcons’ camp in Lomé.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, also of PSG, is expected to arrive on Tuesday night, along with Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo from Mexico, the USA-based pair Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, and Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo.
Head coach Randy Waldrum is expected to have a full squad before Wednesday’s training session as the Falcons aim to secure qualification for the continental tournament.
