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Justine Madugu gives injury update on Deborah Abiodun and Esther Okoronkwo
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team head coach Justin Madugu has provided an update on the injuries sustained by Deborah Abiodun and Esther Okoronkwo during the second leg of Nigeria’s 2026 WAFCON Qualifier against Benin Republic in Abeokuta.
Both players were substituted after picking up knocks in the match played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, which ended 1-1, sealing Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s tournament.
Speaking after the game, Madugu revealed that Okoronkwo’s injury appeared to be minor, while Abiodun would undergo further medical evaluation to determine the severity of her issue.
“For Esther, I think the injury is not too serious,” Madugu said.
“But for Deborah, we’ve spoken with the medical team and they will take her to the hospital for proper assessment to know the extent of the injury she sustained.”
Both players were crucial in the first leg as the Super Falcons defeated the Amazones 2-0 in Togo.
Abiodun was handful with assist while Okoronkwo scored Nigeria’s second goal.
