Women’s AFCON 2026 (Q): Nigeria expects a tough match against Benin
Despite their first-leg advantage, Nigeria coach Justine Madugu is urging the Super Falcons to be cautious ahead of the decisive second leg against Benin.
Des joueuses du Nigeria et du Bénin@Africatopsports
Despite the advantage gained in the first leg, Justine Madugu, coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, is refusing to be overconfident ahead of the return match against Benin, scheduled for this Tuesday in Abeokuta as part of the final round of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Last Friday, the reigning African champions won 2-0 in Lomé, thanks to goals from Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo early in the first half. A solid result, but not enough to ease the pressure, according to the Nigerian coach.
“We expect a tough match against Benin, but we will be ready,” Madugu told the official site of the Nigerian Football Federation (thenff.com). “The objective is clear: deliver a solid performance to secure qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defend our title and aim to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.“
The second leg will take place at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta. The winner of this tie will secure their ticket to the final tournament of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.