Boluwatife Kehinde
As the Super Falcons prepare to defend their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown, head coach Justine Madugu has voiced his belief that the team will live up to their reputation as reigning champions.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will seek to gain an early upper hand when they face Benin’s Amazons in the first leg of their final 2026 WAFCON qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday.
With 19 players available for selection, Madugu expressed optimism that the Falcons will deliver a strong performance befitting their status.
“We have a group that will go out there and make the country proud. Of course, we would have loved to have Jennifer Echegini with us, but since she’s unavailable, we can only wish her a speedy recovery. On Friday, we’ll stick to our plan, play our football, and go for the goals that will put us in a favorable position before the return leg,” Magudu stated.
The 25,000-seater stadium in Togo’s capital will host this West African derby, as the 10-time African champions aim for a dominant result that could render Tuesday’s second leg in Nigeria a mere formality.
The North African nation will stage next year’s tournament, where all four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With Echegini sidelined through injury, Madugu is expected to turn to US-based midfielder Deborah Abiodun to team up with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in midfield.
In defense, Falcons’ first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, regarded among the world’s best, will marshal a solid backline comprising Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Up front, the Super Falcons possess an abundance of attacking quality, featuring Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, and Folashade Ijamilusi.
