Benin Amazons head coach Abdoulaye Ouzerou has openly admitted that defeating the Super Falcons in the ongoing WAFCON 2026 qualifiers will be one of football’s greatest challenges.
The young coach described Nigeria’s Super Falcons as a team built on experience, resilience, and unshakable confidence — qualities that have earned them the title of Africa’s most dominant women’s side.
Speaking before the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Ouzerou acknowledged the massive task ahead, noting that the Super Falcons possess unmatched tactical discipline and attacking depth.
The first leg in Cotonou ended 2-0 in favor of the Super Falcons, who displayed control and poise while the Benin Amazons struggled to match their tempo and physical intensity.
Abdoulaye Ouzerou, while maintaining optimism, accepted that his young Benin Amazons are still developing the maturity required to compete effectively against such an accomplished side in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.
“When the Super Falcons play, their only mindset is victory — that’s what champions do,” said Abdoulaye Ouzerou during a press briefing before the decisive clash in Abeokuta.
He explained that while the Super Falcons have history and momentum on their side, his main objective remains the continuous growth of his squad, especially the younger players stepping onto this stage.
“For us, it’s all about learning, improving, and building something that can last,” Ouzerou said, highlighting that eight of his players are from the under-17 team and six from the under-20s.
The Benin Amazons coach confessed that the first leg taught vital lessons about composure and capitalizing on chances, particularly when playing against the relentless attack of the Super Falcons.
“We had three opportunities to score in the first leg, but couldn’t convert them,” he reflected. “The Super Falcons had five and scored two — that’s experience at work.”
Despite the gap in experience, Abdoulaye Ouzerou insists that his team has learned and is determined to show more confidence in the Moshood Abiola Stadium encounter on Tuesday evening.
He said the Benin Amazons have adopted a different tactical approach designed to make life more difficult for the Falcons, while also protecting their defensive structure better.
“The idea is to stay compact and wait for our moment,” he said. “The Super Falcons are fast, so discipline will be everything for us.”
Ouzerou showered praise on Nigeria’s coaching staff and the players’ mentality, saying the Super Falcons have set a standard that every African team should aspire to reach in women’s football.
“Their professionalism, unity, and hunger to win every time is something special,” he said. “We respect them deeply, but we also want to grow by facing them.”
At the Moshood Abiola Stadium, fans are expected to fill the stands to cheer on the Super Falcons, whose confidence is high after a smooth first-leg performance.
Nigeria’s coach is expected to field a strong lineup featuring Europe-based stars determined to seal qualification and maintain the country’s perfect record in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.
For Abdoulaye Ouzerou, the experience of competing against such elite opponents is invaluable. He believes that the match against the Super Falcons will inspire the next generation of Beninese footballers.
“This is more than just football — it’s about the future,” he said. “We want these young girls to see what’s possible if they keep believing and working hard.”
The Benin Amazons captain echoed her coach’s determination, promising that the team will play with pride and passion despite being labeled underdogs against the Falcons.
“We are not afraid,” she declared. “We respect the Super Falcons, but we are here to compete, not to surrender. We will fight for our nation.”
Observers believe that Ouzerou’s rebuilding philosophy is beginning to bear fruit. Though results have been inconsistent, the Benin Amazons now play with more structure, courage, and understanding of top-level football.
Even neutral fans have applauded their bravery in facing the Super Falcons, whose pedigree includes record WAFCON titles and multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances.
The Falcons, for their part, remain focused on qualification. Their head coach recently praised his players’ mental strength, saying they remain committed to maintaining Nigeria’s dominance in African football.
“We take every game seriously,” said a Falcons assistant coach. “Respecting our opponents is part of our DNA, but we always aim to win.”
That winning mentality continues to define the Falcons, and their ability to control games through precision passing, pace, and teamwork has made them a nightmare for opponents like the Benin Amazons.
The Moshood Abiola Stadium atmosphere is expected to be vibrant, with fans singing, waving flags, and celebrating every attacking move from the Falcons as they look to secure their spot.
Analysts predict a comfortable win for Nigeria, but many still commend Abdoulaye Ouzerou and his team for their courage and positive spirit throughout the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers campaign.
For Ouzerou, the lessons from facing the Falcons will shape his team’s development, giving the Benin Amazons the foundation to compete more effectively in the coming years.
“We’ll take everything we’ve learned from this match and build on it,” he concluded. “Facing the Super Falcons has already made us stronger.”
As the whistle blows at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, it’s not just a match — it’s a showcase of Africa’s growing passion for women’s football and the unstoppable force of the Super Falcons.
Their dominance, confidence, and consistency continue to inspire a new era of players across the continent, reinforcing why the remain the pride of African women’s football.
About The Author
