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Justine Madugu confident as Super Falcons face Benin in WAFCON Qualifier
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team head coach, Justine Madugu, says he is confident the Super Falcons will deliver a strong performance when they face Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie on Friday.
Despite the absence of midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who misses the match through injury, Madugu believes his side has enough quality and character to secure a positive result.
“We have a team that will go out there and make us proud,” Madugu said on Thursday.
“Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini), but we do not, and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.”
“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.”
In Echegini’s absence, the coach is expected to hand a starting role to US-based midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who will line up alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in midfield.
At the back, Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, will lead a defense comprising Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashley Plumptre.
The attack features a blend of experience and flair, with Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, and Folashade Ijamilusi all available for selection. Okoronkwo and Ijamilusi were standout performers as Nigeria clinched a record 10th Women’s AFCON title earlier this year in Morocco.
The encounter will be officiated by Gambian referee Ngum Fatou. The return leg is scheduled to take place next week in Nigeria.
Madugu’s side head into the qualifiers as defending African champions, aiming to maintain their dominance on the continent and book their ticket to next year’s WAFCON finals.
