‘No room for complacency’ – Madugu cautions  Super Falcons ahead of decisive tie

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Head Coach, Justine Madugu, has urged his players to stay focused and disciplined as they prepare to host the Amazons of Benin Republic in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying encounter in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Despite holding a 2–0 aggregate lead from the first leg in Lomé, secured through goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, Madugu insists that the reigning African champions will not be taking their advantage lightly.

“We’re expecting a difficult match from the Beninoise side, but our goal is clear — to deliver a strong performance that guarantees qualification for the 2026 WAFCON,” Madugu said in a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday.

“Our ultimate aim is to defend our continental title and continue building towards the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.”

The Super Falcons dominated the first leg, but Madugu remains wary of a Benin side that featured several experienced foreign-based players.

“They had around 10 professionals from leagues in Germany, Morocco, France and Equatorial Guinea,” he noted. “That level of experience showed in their organisation and determination. In today’s women’s football, no team should ever be underestimated.”

The match, scheduled for 4 p.m. at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, will determine which side progresses to next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.