Boluwatife Kehinde
As the Super Falcons prepare for the return leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, head coach Justine Madugu has emphasised that his team will approach the clash against the Benin Republic with caution and focus.
Nigeria secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in the first leg at Stade Kégué in Lomé on Friday, but the Gaffer insists that complacency is not an option ahead of the home fixture.
“We expect a challenging game from the Beninese side, but we are ready to respond with a strong performance. Our main goal is to qualify for the 2026 Women’s AFCON, where we aim to defend our title and secure a spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Super Falcons coach, Madugu said on Monday, in a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation.
The coach also stressed that Benin featured several prolific foreign-based players in the first leg, which could pose a threat if taken lightly.
“The Amazons, with around 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France, and Equatorial Guinea, performed admirably in the first leg. It’s a reminder that no African team should be taken lightly. We’re leaving nothing to chance and will be fully committed to victory,” he added.
The decisive second-leg clash will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, starting at 4 p.m, on Tuesday.
Looking ahead to the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the 10-time continental champions aim to continue their dominance in Africa and gain early momentum on their path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Super Falcons eye strong finish against Benin in WAFCON qualifier
