WAFCON qualifier: Oshoala, Omewa, seven others arrive camp

Ten-time African Champions, Super Falcons, will commence training on Monday in the Togolese capital, Lomé ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic.Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the 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 have also arrived.Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team would begin training sessions in Lomé on Monday afternoon, as they prepare to face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000 – capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.The encounter is a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, which also 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 p.m. Togo time (4 p.m. Nigeria time). The game will be played in Lome as Benin do not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Oct. 28.CAF has selected Gambian official Ngum Fatou as referee for Friday’s match.Fatou will be supported by Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as the fourth official.Halimatou Hamidou from the Republic of Niger will be the commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will be in the role of referee assessor.

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