THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that key midfielder Jennifer Echegini is unavailable for the Super Falcons’ Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie against Benin Republic due to an injury.
Echegini, who scored the late winner in the 3-2 final victory over hosts Morocco as the Super Falcons won their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in July, sustained a hamstring injury during her club Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 win at Strasbourg on Sunday night.
She will now miss Friday’s first leg of the final qualifying round tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lome, Togo and the return fixture the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG, is scheduled to arrive in Lome tonight, alongside the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo.
United States of America-based defender Michelle Alozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo are also expected in Lome tonight.
The camp grew from nine players to 11 last night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre jetted into Lome today.