Nigeria Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, says his side will not take anything for granted ahead of the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The two-leg encounter will begin at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo on Friday, 24 October, before the return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
“It is a new challenge and we are not taking anything for granted,” Madugu said during the pre-match press conference. “We are fully aware that this qualifier leads to the next WAFCON, and the next WAFCON leads to the World Cup. So, we’re not leaving anything to chance, there’s no room for complacency.”
Asked if preparing for Benin Republic is easier compared to facing Morocco or South Africa, the Super Falcons boss dismissed such thoughts, insisting that every opponent deserves respect.
“For me, the difference is just in the names,” he explained. “You can’t underrate anybody. You must respect Benin Republic for getting to this stage of the competition. They defeated someone before they got here, so they deserve respect. Gone are those days when you walk on name and think a team will not pose any threat. Football in Africa has developed, and everyone has come of age.”
He further stated that the team’s focus remains on winning every game regardless of the opposition. “Each time you prepare for a game, the ultimate goal is to win. For us, it’s not anything different, our aim is to win,” he added.
Madugu also spoke about the introduction of new players in the squad, noting that it is part of a broader plan to build for the future.
“Like I’ve always said, the team is in transition, and we’re trying to rebuild for the future, not just for now,” he said. “That’s why we keep bringing in young players who can learn from the experienced ones. By the time the veterans are phasing out, the younger ones would have gained enough experience to step up. We also know there are Nigerian players doing well globally, so it’s fair to give them opportunities. Some of our regulars have slight injuries, which made it difficult for them to feature in this qualifier.”
Meanwhile, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie expressed gratitude to Nigerian fans for their continuous support and promised a strong performance.
“First of all, I want to say a very big thank you to all Nigerian fans, they’ve been so amazing and supportive,” she said. “They were with us from day one, they came all the way to Morocco, they supported us, they gave everything. The only way we can pay them back is by winning. I just want them to be calm and keep believing in us. We can’t do this without them, so keep supporting, keep praying, and we’ll do what we know how to do best to make them happy.”
The ten-time African champions are looking to defend the crown they won in Morocco in July this year, with the next edition of the continental tournament also set to take place in the North African country.
The first leg of the WAFCON 2026 qualifier between Nigeria and Benin Republic will kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday in Lomé.
