Super Falcons Coach Justin Madugu explains how Nigeria will qualify for 2026 WAFCON

Super Falcons Coach Justin Madugu begins preparations for WAFCON 2026 qualifiers

Fresh off guiding the Super Falcons to their record-extending triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, head coach Justin Madugu has already shifted focus to the next challenge, the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.

Madugu was the masterminded Nigeria’s “Mission X” success last month, securing continental glory and even earning a Ballon d’Or nomination for his exploits.

What Madugu said

The tactician insists that the job is far from over, as Nigeria gear up for a two-legged clash against Benin Republic in October.

“We have achieved what we have achieved. It has brought so much attention on the team, which has also made our job even more difficult,” Madugu told Brila.

“The qualifiers for the next edition start in October, and we must begin planning immediately. We also need to spread our net wider and check more players.”

The coach admitted that a lack of sufficient camping time before Morocco limited the opportunity to test new talents. However, with the qualifiers fast approaching, he emphasised the need for squad depth, competition, and fresh options in the team.

“Now that this one is done and dusted, we must create more competition in the team. Between now and October, we hope to organize one or two camps to give new players the chance to showcase what they can do,” he added.

Madugu confirmed that his technical crew has already drawn up a program and template for the team’s preparations, stretching beyond the Benin Republic fixtures into the later stages of the qualification campaign.

The first leg of Nigeria’s tie against Benin Republic is scheduled for October 20, while the return leg will be played in Nigeria eight days later.