Super Falcons aim for dominant win over Benin’s Amazons in Women’s AFCON qualifier
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will take on Benin’s Amazons this Friday in the first leg of their final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The match will be held at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, with the reigning champions targeting a commanding victory to ease the pressure ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Nigeria.
Head coach Justine Madugu has 19 players available and is confident in his squad’s ability to secure a strong result. ‘We have a team that will go out there and make us proud,” he said. “We’ll play our game and seek the goals that put us in a good position for the second leg.’
With star midfielder Jennifer Echegini sidelined due to injury, Madugu is expected to start US based Deborah Abiodun alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in midfield.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, will anchor a defense featuring Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashley Plumptre.
Up front, Nigeria boasts a potent attack led by six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, supported by Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, and Folashade Ijamilusi, key contributors to Nigeria’s 2024 AFCON triumph in Morocco.
The match kicks off at 3pm local time (4pm Nigeria time), with Gambian referee Ngum Fatou officiating.
Nigeria Squad vs Benin:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG), Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica)
Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca), Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang), Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
