The Super Falcons will walk into their 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers — a double-header against Benin Republic — with confidence, momentum, and a squad in frightening attacking form.
As defending African champions under head coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria know exactly what is at stake: progress to the tournament proper, stay on course for title number 11, and continue the legacy that saw them complete that unforgettable comeback against Morocco in July, Footballrover reports.
Super Falcons Eye Control in WAFCON Qualifiers
While Madugu has assembled a balanced group, three in-form attackers stand out as the players who could tilt the entire tie in Nigeria’s favour — Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Esther Okoronkwo – The Creative Spark
Esther Okoronkwo arrives in camp as one of Africa’s most influential forwards this year.
Fresh off guiding AFC Toronto to the Northern Super League Regular Season title, where she produced 15 goal contributions in 20 matches, she remains a player built for decisive moments.
Her impact for Nigeria is well-documented.
In the WAFCON final against Morocco, she scored from the spot to launch the comeback, created the move for Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser, and later delivered the free-kick assist that sealed the 3–2 victory.
What Okoronkwo offers Madugu is rare:
– creativity between the lines
– set-piece precision
– a habit of stepping up under pressure
Against a compact Benin defence, her vision and final-ball quality may be Nigeria’s biggest unlock.
Joy Omewa – The Breakthrough Weapon
Few players in world football are enjoying a hotter streak than Joy Omewa right now.
The 22-year-old is in the form of her life, entering national duty with 15 goals this season for Fortuna Hjørring and an eight-match scoring streak across league and Europe.
She also just marked her 100th appearance for the club with a match-winning continental goal.
Now set for her first senior Super Falcons involvement, Omewa brings:
– relentless movement,
– a poacher’s instinct, and
– confidence sharpened by consistency.
If Madugu needs energy, disruption, or a fearless finisher, Omewa is the profile that can break Benin’s resistance in an instant.
Chinwendu Ihezuo – The Power Presence
While Omewa provides spark and Okoronkwo delivers craft, Chinwendu Ihezuo brings the force.
The Pachuca striker has been lethal in Mexico, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, including six in the league and a blistering run in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, where she leads the scoring charts.
Her strengths are clear:
– hold-up play,
– physical duels,
– aerial dominance, and
– direct penalty-area threat.
In tight matches — especially away from home — Ihezuo’s presence can tilt the tempo, pin Benin’s back line, and open lanes for runners like Omewa and Okoronkwo.
WAFCON Qualifiers: The Final Verdict
Nigeria’s mission is simple: finish the job in Lomé on Friday, close it out in Abeokuta on October 28, and march into WAFCON 2026 with authority.
With Okoronkwo’s creativity, Omewa’s momentum, and Ihezuo’s power, the Super Falcons have three forwards capable of deciding this tie long before the final whistle.
While many fans — and even Benin Republic’s defenders — will naturally expect the likes of Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade to be the danger figures, the momentum within the squad has quietly shifted.
The real spark in this qualifying window will be coming from the new wave. Okoronkwo, Omewa, and Ihezuo are the in form players, and they are the ones Benin must fear, track, and contain for 90 minutes.
Ignore them, and the tie could be over quickly.
If they click, expect goals. If they dominate, expect qualification. And if Madugu’s champions play to their level, expect Nigeria to continue chasing an unprecedented 11th continental crown.
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