Nigeria v Benin: Madugu cautions Super Falcons ahead of WAFCON qualifier in Abeokuta

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has warned that Super Falcons will take nothing for granted when they face the Amazons of Benin Republic in Tuesday’s return leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier in Abeokuta, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 10-time African champions hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Lomé, thanks to goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.

But Madugu insists his players must stay sharp against a much-improved Beninoise side.

“We are looking forward to a tough game from the Beninoise,” Madugu told the NFF.

“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.”

He added: “The Amazons with about 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France and Equatorial Guinea gave a good account of themselves in the first leg, to underscore the fact that underrating any team now in Africa 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 Falcons are expected to maintain the same starting lineup that dominated in Lomé, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie between the posts and a defensive quartet of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead from midfield alongside Deborah Abiodun and Taiwo Afolabi, while Ihezuo, Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi should spearhead the attack.

Madugu also has attacking depth with six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa, and Kafayat Mafisere waiting on the bench.

The match will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, at 4pm, with the aggregate winner booking a spot at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco (17 March – 3 April 2026).

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WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa all eye qualification spots

As Nigeria prepare to finish the job in Abeokuta, other African heavyweights are also well placed for qualification.

Zambia, who were hammered by Nigeria during the summer’s tournament in Morocco, bounced back strongly with a 4-2 win away to Namibia. Ghana’s Black Queens cruised to a 3-0 away victory over Egypt, while Mali edged Cape Verde 1-0 in Praia.

Elsewhere, Kenya defeated The Gambia 3-1 in Nairobi, Algeria squeezed past Cameroon 2-1, while Burkina Faso and Tanzania both hold healthy 2-0 leads ahead of their second legs. Defending champions South Africa were held 1-1 by DR Congo in Kinshasa but remain favourites to progress.

Hosts Morocco, finalists in the last two editions, are already qualified automatically.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Dominique Rosa Hanjavola from Madagascar as referee for Nigeria’s clash with Benin, supported by assistants Claris Simango (Zimbabwe) and Hasimbola Rasoloniaina (Madagascar). Ghana’s Christine Ziga will serve as match commissioner, with Senegal’s Ndeye Fatou Seye as referee assessor.