Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justine Madugu, says his team will take “nothing for granted” when they face the Amazons of Benin Republic in the return leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The reigning African champions hold a 2–0 advantage from the first leg played at the Stade Kégué in Lomé on Friday, with goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo securing the win.
However, Madugu insists that despite the cushion, the Falcons are preparing for a tougher challenge at home.
“We are looking forward to a tough game from the Beninoise, but we will be ready for that by putting up a good performance with the ultimate goal of qualification to the 2026 Women AFCON, where we hope to retain our title and further qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027,” Madugu said on Monday in a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He noted that the Amazons, who fielded several foreign-based professionals in the first leg, possess enough quality to cause problems if underestimated.
“The Amazons, with about 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France and Equatorial Guinea, gave a good account of themselves in the first leg. Underrating any team in Africa now could be at your own peril.
We are not taking anything for granted or leaving anything to chance. We will be ready to go all out for victory,” the coach added.
Madugu is expected to retain most of his starting lineup from the first leg. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will likely start again, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre in defence.
In midfield, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun, and Taiwo Afolabi are set to control play, while Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi are expected to lead the attack.
However, Madugu could call upon Asisat Oshoala, the six-time African Player of the Year, along with Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere, as alternative attacking options.
The decisive match will kick off at 4 p.m. at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta. The aggregate winner will advance to the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to hold in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
The Super Falcons, who resumed training in Abeokuta on Sunday, are record 10-time continental champions and are determined to extend their dominance while building momentum ahead of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign in Brazil.
