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The head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justine Madugu, states that his team will not assume anything when they encounter the Benin Republic’s Amazons in the second match of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification game in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday.

The reigning The African champions have a 2–0 lead after the first match held at Stade Kégué in Lomé on Friday., thanks to goals by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.

However, Madugu maintains that even with the advantage, the Falcons are getting ready for a more challenging encounter at their venue.

“We are anticipating a challenging match against Benin, but we will be prepared by delivering a strong performance with the final aim of qualifying for the 2026 Women AFCON, where we hope to defend our title and secure a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil,” Madugu stated on Monday in a message released by the Nigeria Football Federation.

He cautioned that the Amazons, who included multiple foreign-based professionals in the first match, possess the capability to create difficulties if not taken seriously.

The Amazons, featuring approximately 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France, and Equatorial Guinea, performed well in the first match, highlighting the fact that underestimating any team in Africa could be risky.

“We are not assuming anything or relying on luck. We will be fully prepared to fight for victory,” the coach added.

Madugu is anticipated to keep a similar team composition as in the first leg. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to remain in her position, while Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre will likely make up the defense.

In the midfield, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun, and Taiwo Afolabi will be responsible for directing the game, while Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi are expected to take charge of the offensive efforts.

Nevertheless, Madugu might also look towards the seasoned forward and six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, along with Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere, as other offensive choices.

The crucial confrontation is scheduled to occur at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, starting at 4 p.m.

The overall champion will secure a spot in the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

The The Super Falcons restarted their training sessions at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday., The PUNCH reports.

The squad, having won 10 continental titles, aims to maintain their supremacy in Africa and gain an early advantage in their quest for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).