Why Nigeria won't underrate Benin's Europe-fortified Amazons

Super Falcons Head Coach Justine Madugu issues a firm caution against complacency, citing the presence of over ten European-based professionals in the Benin Republic squad ahead of the crucial WAFCON qualifier second leg.

Nigeria's record 10-time African champions, the Super Falcons, are on high alert, as Ballon d'Or nominee Madugu warned his team against underestimating the Benin Republic's Amazons in their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier second leg. 

Despite holding a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first fixture, Madugu stressed that the Benin side, bolstered by foreign-based talent, commands full respect ahead of Tuesday's decisive match at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

The Super Falcons secured their initial advantage in the first leg played in Lome, Togo, thanks to goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and CAFAwards 2025 Player of the Year nominee, Esther Okoronkwo. 

However, Coach Madugu is acutely aware of the growing competitiveness in African women's football, fueled by players gaining experience in strong European leagues.

Madugu made the threat clear, stating, “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.”

This infusion of international experience into the Benin squad means the reigning African champions, who are focused on retaining their title at WAFCON 2026, according to the coach, must be clinical. 

He affirmed the team's professional approach: “We are not taking anything for granted or leaving anything to chance. We will be ready to go all out for victory.”

To ensure victory and secure the qualification ticket, Madugu is expected to maintain a familiar and experienced starting XI that defeated the Amazons last week. 

The winner of this encounter will clinch a spot at the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. For Nigeria, this qualification is non-negotiable, serving as the first step towards defending their continental crown.

The presence of European-based players in smaller African nations, as seen with Benin, signifies a crucial shift. It warns giants like Nigeria that victory will increasingly rely on tactical discipline and performance, rather than historical dominance alone. 

Madugu's warning ensures the Super Falcons remain grounded and prepared to tackle a potentially improved Benin side, leveraging their home advantage in Abeokuta to seal the deal.

The match kicks off at 4 pm on Tuesday, with the expectation that the Super Falcons will deliver a commanding performance to officially book their passage to the continent's premier tournament.