By Charles Pemu 
The Head Coach of the Benin Republic women’s national team, Abdoulaye Ouzerou, believes his side stands a better chance of overturning the deficit against the Super Falcons and clinching the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ticket.
The Amazons of Benin Republic are set to face Nigeria in the crucial second leg of the second-round WAFCON qualifier this Tuesday in Abeokuta.
Coach Justine Madugu’s Super Falcons hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg played in Lome, Togo, last Friday, thanks to goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, both assisted by midfielder Deborah Abiodun.
Despite the home loss, Ouzerou remains optimistic about his young team’s chances:
“Having played Nigeria some days ago, we didn’t know the team well, but now we know the Falcons better, and on Tuesday (today), we will play with all our chances… We lost 2-0 at home, but it is not a scoreline that we cannot catch up with. We are going to play the game with all our strength, and we believe strongly that we can make it.”
The Amazons arrived in Abeokuta on Sunday and held one training session on Monday, while the Falcons have had two sessions as they prepare to defend the continental title they won earlier this year in Morocco.
Officials for the Crucial Clash
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed an all-female officiating team for the match, which kicks off at 4:00 pm at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
- Referee: Dominique Rosa Hanjavola (Madagascar)
- Assistant Referee 1: Claris Simango (Zimbabwe)
- Assistant Referee 2: Hasimbola Rasoloniaina (Madagascar)
- Fourth Official: Grace Gimo (Zimbabwe)
- Commissioner: Christine Ziga (Ghana)
- Referee Assessor: Ndeye Fatou Seye (Senegal)