Midfielder Jennifer Echegini has withdrawn from Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad due to a hamstring injury.
Head Coach Justine Madugu remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances against Bénin Republic in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, despite midfielder Jennifer Echegini being ruled out of both legs after suffering a hamstring injury during her club match for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Monday night.
Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal in this year’s Women AFCON Final against Morocco in Rabat, will miss Friday’s first-leg fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, as well as the return leg at MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, also of PSG, is expected to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, alongside Mexico-based Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based Michelle Alozie and Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based Esther Okoronkwo, and Italy-based Shukurat Oladipo.
The camp swelled from nine to 11 players on Monday night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre joined the squad on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite the absences, Madugu remains confident in the team’s preparation and believes the Super Falcons have the depth to compete strongly in the final qualifying fixtures.
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