The Super Falcons enter the match with a 2–0 advantage following a solid performance in the first leg at Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, last Friday. Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo gave Nigeria a commanding lead. However, Madugu emphasized that despite the cushion, the team cannot afford to take anything for granted.

“We are expecting a tough game from the Beninoise, but we’ll be ready. Our focus is on delivering a strong performance with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s AFCON,” Madugu said in a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Monday. “We want to retain our title and use this as a stepping stone for our World Cup qualification in Brazil in 2027.”

Madugu also cautioned against underestimating Benin, who fielded a number of foreign-based players in the first leg. “The Amazons have about 10 professionals from countries like Germany, Morocco, France, and Equatorial Guinea. They showed quality in the first leg, which proves that in African football, you can’t afford to underrate any opponent.”

Despite the challenge, Madugu is expected to field a largely unchanged lineup. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is set to retain her place in goal, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre forming the defensive line. Midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun, and Taiwo Afolabi will continue to dictate play, while Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi will lead the attack.

The coach may also opt to bring in veteran forward Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Player of the Year, along with Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere as alternative attacking options.

Read Also:“Super Falcons ready to conquer Africa again” – Ordega

The match will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. The aggregate winner will secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

The Super Falcons resumed training at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on Sunday. As 10-time continental champions, they are determined to extend their dominance in African women’s football and secure early momentum for their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Source: Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has warned his team to remain focused and avoid complacency as they prepare for the return leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, qualifying match against the Amazons of Benin Republic.

Source: Punch

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Ajibade said after completing the move, “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe. This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.”

The 24-year-old meets up with compatriot Jennifer Echegini as Les Parisiennes strengthen their squad in a bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 Féminine title, which they last won in 2021.

Ajibade shone at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she was voted Player of the Tournament after scoring one goal and providing two assists as Nigeria claimed a record 10th continental crown.

Source: Vanguard

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Players and officials of the team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday afternoon.

The team arrived to a rousing welcome from fans and government officials, some of whom had waited at the airport for hours to receive their heroines.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hanatu Musawa, and the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, were among the government officials who welcomed the team on arrival.

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However, Nigeria responded with a determined second-half performance that turned the game around.

Esther Okoronkwo pulled one back for Nigeria in the 64th minute from the penalty spot, before Folashade Florence Ijamilusi levelled the scoreline with a goal in the 71st minute.

Jennifer Echegini completed the comeback with a late winner in the 88th minute, sealing the Super Falcons’ win.

Nigeria edged Morocco in most of the match statistics, recording 14 shots compared to Morocco’s 10, with five of those on target. The Super Falcons also held 55% possession, completed 280 passes with a 69% accuracy rate, and had five corners against Morocco’s three.

Despite the high intensity, the game was fair with no yellow or red cards issued. Nigeria committed seven fouls, while Morocco had 12.

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The President’s message, delivered in a personally signed statement on Saturday, underscores the nation’s immense pride and unwavering support for the team.

In his address, Tinubu lauded the Super Falcons for their “awe-inspiring” performance throughout the tournament.

He commended their display of pride, honour, and strength, both on and off the pitch, highlighting their exemplary sportsmanship.

The President specifically noted their compassionate visit to the injured Gabriela Salgado of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, describing it as an act that “reflects our shared humanity, empathy, and sisterly affection, which we Africans hold in high regard.”

Tinubu emphasised the team’s dominant statistics, stating that if “statistics alone win matches, you are already champions.”

He pointed to their unbeaten run in the group stages, victories in the knockout rounds, and conceding only one goal in the semi-finals.

Furthermore, he reminded the team of their perfect record in previous WAFCON finals, having emerged triumphant in all nine of their prior appearances.

To demonstrate the full backing of the Nigerian government and people, Tinubu announced that a high-powered presidential delegation has been dispatched to Rabat to attend the final and cheer the team to victory.

The delegation includes the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, among others.

The President also thanked the families of the Super Falcons, coaches, friends, the Nigerian community in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, and the Nigerian Mission in Morocco for their consistent support throughout the competition.

Concluding his message with a strong call to action, Tinubu stated, “You will finish strong by the Grace of God. Go for the tenth! Bring the trophy home. Your fellow countrymen and women, young and old, are rooting for you.”

He expressed his anticipation of receiving the team, the coveted trophy, and officials in Abuja upon their victorious return.

The nation holds its breath, united in prayer and hope for the Super Falcons to make history tonight and bring home the continental crown.

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He also confirmed that all entitlements, up to and including the final on July 26, had been disbursed for immediate payment to players, coaches, and officials.

Dikko described the gesture as “policy in motion” and a demonstration of a renewed commitment to Nigerian athletes under Tinubu’s leadership.

He assured that this would now be the standard practice going forward, timely payments without drama or delays.

Dikko noted that the move also extends to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are set to begin their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, saying that D’Tigress will receive improved allowances and bonuses.

“This is the kind of sports administration we are building, one rooted in dignity, trust, and shared prosperity. Future generations would appreciate President Tinubu’s reforms in the sports sector,” he said.

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Justine Madugu’s side will have a chance to redeem their image when WAFCON 2024 finals starts in Morocco next month.

The nine-time champions will face Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria in Group B.

Ordega declared that the team will go all out for the trophy when hostilities start in the North African country.

Nigeria’a opening game is against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, 6 July.

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