Super Falcons Coach, Justine Madugu, is confident that his team possesses the necessary skills to decisively defeat Benin Republic in the first leg of their Morocco 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations match in Lome, Togo, today. However, he is also aware that the match will not be straightforward.
The Amazons will face the Super Falcons at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè, with the Cup holders aiming for a convincing victory that would make the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday merely a formality.
The Nigerian squad has traveled to Togo with 19 players, as Jennifer Echegini is unable to participate due to injury. Nevertheless, Madugu has expressed that he is undeterred by the absence of the Paris St. Germain midfielder, assuring that his team will strive for the goals necessary to secure a ticket for the defense of the title they won in Morocco this summer.
The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s tournament, where all semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
Also Read: http://‘I No Longer Feel Safe Returning to School,’ Says Rivers Student
“We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini), but we do not, and we can only pray for her swift recovery.
“On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good position ahead of the return leg.”
With Echegini unavailable, Madugu is expected to select US-based talent Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the midfield, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers globally) leading a defense line consisting of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashley Plumptre.
In the forward position, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s standout players at this year’s Women AFCON), the dynamic Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, newcomer Joy Omewa, and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who also shone as Nigeria secured a 10th AFCON title in Morocco this summer.
