The head coach of Nigeria’s women’s national football team, Justine Madugu, has urged his players to stay sharp and avoid any complacency as they prepare for the second match against Benin in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria enters the return fixture with a comfortable 2-0 lead, thanks to strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the opening clash held in Lomé on Friday. The reigning African champions will host the decisive leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Madugu made it clear that his squad must treat the upcoming game with full seriousness, expecting a fierce challenge from their opponents. He pointed out that Benin boasts around ten players who ply their trade professionally in leagues across Germany, Morocco, France, and Equatorial Guinea, which made the first encounter far from straightforward.
“We expect a hard-fought battle from the Benin side, but our players will rise to the occasion with a strong showing,” Madugu said. “Our main aim is to secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and hold on to our continental crown, while also building momentum towards the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.”
The coach emphasised that overlooking any African team these days can lead to costly mistakes, so his group is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The Super Falcons, who have lifted the African title a record ten times, returned to training at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday, fine-tuning their tactics for the home clash.
Madugu plans to stick with a familiar starting eleven: Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, backed by defenders Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre; midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade as captain, Deborah Abiodun, and Taiwo Afolabi; and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi. Bench options include heavyweights like Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa, and Kafayat Mafisere.
The winner on aggregate will book a place at the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026. For Nigeria, another strong showing would not only extend their dominance on the continent but also sharpen their edge ahead of the global showdown in Brazil the following year.
