Nigeria began preparations yesterday, in Lome, ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match against their Béninoise counterparts, which will hold on Friday.
 
Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the Super Falcons’ Lomé camp, alongside new invitee Joy Omewa, as well as Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere.
 
Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team will face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000–capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.
 
Both West African neighbours clash in a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, and which serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, to be hosted by Brazil. The encounter will commence at 3.00 p.m. Togo time (4.00 p.m. Nigeria time).
 
The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.