- Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu affirms champions Nigeria will "take nothing for granted" despite 2-0 first-leg lead.
- The 61-year-old warns to be wary of the Bénin 'Amazons' bolstered by "about 10 professional players" from Europe and Africa.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has stressed that reigning champions Nigeria will not be complacent when they face the Bénin Republic women's national team, nicknamed the 'Amazons,' in the return leg of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier in Abeokuta this Tuesday.
The Super Falcons, who are 10-time African champions, hold a comfortable 2-0 aggregate lead following goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the first leg played at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, last Friday.
Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Madugu expressed concern that the Amazons could be better prepared than they were in the first leg played in Lomé, Togo.
"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," the coach told the NFF media.
The 61-year-old was also quick to highlight the rising threat of the Bénin side, noting their strong performance in the first leg whilst also underscoring the danger posed by their squad.
“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," Madugu cautioned. "We are not taking anything for granted or leaving anything to chance. We will be ready to go all out for victory.”
The ultimate goal for the Super Falcons, according to Madugu, is not just qualification but also the opportunity to retain their WAFCON title in Morocco and subsequently secure a spot at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
The winner of the clash on aggregate will secure a spot at the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco between 17th March and 3rd April 2026.
Ejim Kaycee
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