Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu says Nigeria is ready to make the most of their second chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. They will start their play-off journey against South Africa on Thursday.
The Falcons missed their chance for automatic qualification after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday. But Madugu says this setback has only made them more determined to secure a spot at the World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, who have never missed a FIFA Women’s World Cup since it began, now have to go through the play-offs to reach Brazil. South Africa is the next obstacle in their way.
Madugu knows how disappointing it is to miss out on direct qualification. But he is confident the players are ready to give their all when they face Banyana Banyana.
"We have a second chance and we will give it our all," Madugu said after Sunday’s match.
"We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs.
"I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. We know what it means for all of us and the country. I apologise and take responsibility for that."
Madugu was talking about the Super Eagles’ failure to turn their second chance into World Cup qualification. They missed direct qualification from their group.
The Eagles made it to the CAF play-off tournament in Morocco as one of the four best runners-up. But they lost to DR Congo in the final, ending their hopes of reaching the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament.
Madugu does not want the Falcons to face a similar fate. He believes they have the talent and determination to overcome this challenge.
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