Super Falcons Will Not Underrate Benin Republic – Madugu

Head Coach Justine Madugu is expecting a tough game against the Amazons of Bénin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday and will take nothing for granted in the encounter.

Both sides are facing off in the second leg of the final qualifying round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The 10-time champions are in control of the fixture after a 2-0 win in the first leg away from home, courtesy goals by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, but the gaffer is wary the Amazons could storm the Ogun State capital better prepared than they were in the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lome on Friday.

Madugu, who led the team to a record 10th WAFCON trophy in July, is expecting a tough clash against Benin Republic

He said: “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.

“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 Super Falcons will most likely parade the same squad as featured in the first leg in the Togolese capital three days ago, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal and Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre expected to retain their spots in the defence.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun and Taiwo Afolabi will take hold of the midfield.

In the attack, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, though Madugu also has the options of six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere.

The encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta will kick off at 4pm, with the winner on aggregate earning a ticket to the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco, 17th March – 3rd April 2026.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flamingos will take on Italy on Tuesday in a much-anticipated Round of 16 match at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Both countries will be meeting for the first time at this stage of the competition.

Italy with three straight wins, including a thrilling 4-3 win over Brazil, 3-1 victory over host Morocco, and another commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, led Group A with nine points.

Nigeria, on the other hand, qualified as one of the best third-place teams, after a tough opening to the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Canada and a narrow 1-0 loss to France. They recovered well with a decisive 4-0 victory over Samoa to guarantee their spot in the Round of 16.

Tuesday night’s encounter, starting at 8pm, promises to be full of fireworks as both teams contest for a spot in the World Cup’s Round of 8.