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By Seyi Babalola
Justine Madugu, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, says his team would take “nothing for granted” when they play the Amazons of Benin Republic in the second leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying game on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The defending African champions lead 2-0 after the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lomé on Friday, with goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.
But Madugu feels that, despite the cushion, the Falcons are gearing up for a much tougher battle at home.
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“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,” Madugu said on Monday in a statement shared by the Nigeria Football Federation.
He warned that the Amazons, who fielded several foreign-based professionals in the first leg, have the quality to cause problems if underestimated.
“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 coach added.
