Reigning champions and 10-time winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Super Falcons of Nigeria, resumed training on Sunday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, ahead of the decisive return leg of their final qualifying fixture against the Amazons of Benin Republic.
The Super Falcons made history in July 2025 when they clinched a record-extending 10th African title, coming from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3–2 in a pulsating final.
The match, which will determine who advances to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.
A victory in Abeokuta will seal Nigeria’s passage to next year’s WAFCON finals in Morocco, where they will aim for an unprecedented 11th continental crown and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Falcons Back Home After Lome Triumph
After camping for nearly a week in Lome, Togo, where they played the first leg, the Super Falcons arrived in Nigeria on Saturday via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos before settling in Abeokuta to continue preparations for the reverse fixture.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side head into the encounter in commanding fashion after securing a 2-0 first-leg victory in Lome last Friday, courtesy of goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun shone brightly in that match, providing both assists.
The squad will hold another training session on Monday, as they aim to book their ticket to Morocco and defend the continental crown they won earlier this year.
Read More: Super Falcons Duo Fire Nigeria to 2–0 First-Leg Win Against Benin
Read More: “We’re Not Afraid of Nigeria” – Benin Declares Ahead of Super Falcons Clash
Madugu: “We are not taking anything for granted”
Head coach Justine Madugu has cautioned that despite the comfortable first-leg lead, Nigeria will take nothing for granted against the Beninoise in Abeokuta.
“We are looking forward to a tough game from the Beninoise, but we will be ready for that by putting up a good performance with the ultimate goal of qualification to the 2026 Women AFCON, where we hope to retain our title and further qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027,” Madugu said.
He also warned against underestimating the Amazons, who have several players plying their trade across Europe and Africa.
“The Amazons with about 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France and Equatorial Guinea gave a good account of themselves in the first leg”
“To underscore the fact that underrating any team now in Africa could be at your own peril. We are not taking anything for granted or leaving anything to chance.”
“We will be ready to go all out for victory.”
Likely Starting XI and Tactical Setup
Madugu is expected to retain the same lineup that earned victory in the first leg. Chiamaka Nnadozie will likely start in goal, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre forming the defensive line, according to NFF official page.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside Deborah Abiodun and Taiwo Afolabi, should control the midfield, while the attacking trio of Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi are tipped to lead the charge upfront.
Madugu also has strong options from the bench, including six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa, and Kafayat Mafisere, giving the Falcons plenty of attacking depth.
Read more: Super Falcons Loses Jennifer Echegini to Hamstring Injury
Match Officials Confirmed
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Dominique Rosa Hanjavola from Madagascar as the referee for Tuesday’s encounter.
She will be assisted by Claris Simango of Zimbabwe (Assistant Referee 1) and Hasimbola Rasoloniaina of Madagascar (Assistant Referee 2), while Grace Gimo of Zimbabwe will serve as the Fourth Official.
Christine Ziga from Ghana will act as Match Commissioner, and Ndeye Fatou Seye from Senegal has been designated as Referee Assessor.
Qualification Race Heats Up Across Africa
The Super Falcons’ qualification campaign mirrors intense battles across the continent as nations chase tickets to Morocco 2026, which will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Elsewhere, Zambia claimed a commanding 4–2 away win over Namibia, Ghana’s Black Queens thrashed Egypt 3–0, and Mali edged Cape Verde 1–0 in Praia.
Kenya defeated The Gambia 3–1, Algeria overcame Cameroon 2–1, while Burkina Faso and Tanzania took 2–0 first-leg leads over Togo and Ethiopia respectively.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, with return legs scheduled for this week across Africa.
