Nigeria’s Super Falcons Set Sights on a Goal-Fest Against Bénin’s Amazons in Crucial Qualifier
Ahead of their first-leg clash this Friday, coach Justine Madugu has urged the Super Falcons to go “all out for goals” as they look to get a commanding lead over Bénin’s Amazons in the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The encounter will take place at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, with the Nigerian side wanting a strong performance that will make the return leg on home soil a formality.
Madugu expressed confidence despite the absence of midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who is sidelined due to injury. He reiterated his belief in the squad’s depth and quality. “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud… On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”
With Nigeria reigning as ten-time African champions, the Falcons are keen to reaffirm their dominance and book their place in the tournament they won this summer. The 2026 edition will again be hosted by Morocco and will double as the qualification channel for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Madugu is expected to field a strong lineup featuring captain Rasheedat Ajibade, veteran star Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, among other top-flight players.
The first leg kicks off this Friday at 4 p.m. Nigerian time, with Bénin seeking to upset the defending champions. The return fixture is scheduled next Tuesday in Abeokuta, Nigeria.