Benin Republic women’s national team coach, Abdoulaye Ouzerou, has stated that his players are not intimidated by the prospect of facing the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The two teams are scheduled to meet in the second qualifying round, with the first leg taking place on Thursday, October 23, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo. The return leg will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Ouzerou’s Strategy: Mental Strength Over Physical Attributes
Speaking after announcing his squad, Ouzerou emphasized that his team would rely more on their mental resilience and unity than on physical or technical superiority. He stated, “We’re going to count on our hearts. If you’re physically and technically inferior, you must compensate mentally. And mentally, we are ready. We’ll rely heavily on that spirit.”
The Benin coach acknowledged that the Super Falcons are stronger on paper but insisted that football matches are not won on paper alone. He said, “There’s no comparison possible physically and technically; we know that, we’re not crazy. But mentally, I believe we can make up for those differences.”
Ouzerou Acknowledges Super Falcons’ Quality
Ouzerou recognized the experience and quality of the Nigerian side but maintained that his team is capable of causing an upset if they remain disciplined and play with heart. He emphasized that his team’s preparation and mental toughness would be key to competing with the African champions.
This encounter marks another step in the Super Falcons’ journey to defend the WAFCON title, which they have won a record ten times. The match is highly anticipated as both teams look to advance in the qualification stages for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
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