The Nigerian Super Falcons are set to travel to Benin Republic for a crucial first leg clash against the Amazons in the final round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
As 10-time African champions, the Falcons are determined to secure back-to-back victories — first away in Benin, then on home turf — to guarantee their spot and confidently defend their crown in Morocco next year.
Under coach Justin Mudugu’s leadership, the team claimed the WAFCON title in July, dramatically overturning a two-goal deficit to beat host nation Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final.
With a squad of 19 committed players, Mudugu has assured fans that his team is fully prepared to fight for a win tomorrow and set the stage for a commanding home return leg next week.
“We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini), but we do not, and we can only pray for her to recover quickly. On Friday, we will play our game and seek the goals that will put us in good stead ahead of the return leg.”
Benin defeated their Sierra Leonean rivals 5-2 overall to get to this stage. They defeated Togo 2-1 on the road before winning 3-1 in Monrovia to finish the job in the rematch. Due to a lack of CAF-approved stadiums, both teams were forced to play their home games on away fields.
The winner of this time of this tie joins Morocco for the final showpiece next year, Vanguard newspaper reports. The semi-finalists in Morocco automatically secure spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.
Squad List
Asisat Oshoala, Taiwo Afolabi, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, Joy Omewa, Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Illivieda, Kafayat Mafisere, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Christy Ucheibe, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, Shukurat Oladipo, Ihezuo, Ohale, Alozie, Esther Okoronkwo, Abiodun and Ajibade.
Competition: 2026 WAFCON Final Qualifier Round 1
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)
Venue: 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo
Where to Watch: CAF TV
Gambian referee Ngum Fatou will officiate the match, assisted by the trio of Mariem Chedad, Hamedine Houleye and Isatou Touray.
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