Madugu hints at Toni Payne starting role, defends Ordega before Egypt match

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has said that Toni Payne might start in midfield to fill the gap left by the suspended Jennifer Echegini in Nigeria’s crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C match against Egypt. He also rejected claims that sentiment affects his player selection.

Nigeria will enter this important match without two key players. Echegini is out due to suspension after getting two yellow cards in the group stage. Defender Oluwatosin Demehin will also miss the game after receiving a red card in the win against Zambia.

In his pre-match press conference, Madugu explained that team selection is based on tactics and the specific skills needed to face each opponent. He emphasized that reputation or public opinion does not influence his choices.

"Sometimes selection of players is dependent on what you see or analyse about the opposition," Madugu stated.

"When you come up with your own strategy, you ask who will be able to execute it. You study the opposition, identify their strengths and weaknesses, their key players and how to deal with them.

"Then you look at your own team and decide who is best suited to carry out that plan. Those are the things that come into consideration before you select players for every game."

With Echegini unavailable, the Super Falcons coach mentioned that Payne is in a good position to take over in midfield. He expressed confidence in the skills and flexibility of his team.

"All the players in the team are good enough. They all have different qualities, strengths and weaknesses," he said.

"She is good to go, she has an opportunity and hopefully she will also be part of the team, considering the fact that we have players that will not be available tomorrow."

Madugu also answered questions about the presence of veteran forward Francisca Ordega. She has not played yet in the tournament, even though Nigeria has had a mixed performance so far.

The 62-year-old pointed out that Ordega’s role goes beyond just playing time, highlighting her leadership and experience in the team.

"There are so many ingredients that make a team successful. Even on the pitch, there are things you gain from experience that you can transfer to others," he explained.

"If we felt Ordega was not doing well, we would not have brought her to this competition. We know the role many of these experienced players play.

"If she was not contributing, she would not be here because there are other players of her level who were not selected.

"Team bonding, harmony, guidance and leadership are all important factors that contribute to success."

Madugu also rejected the idea that emotions or loyalty play a role in his selection process.

"There are no sentiments attached to it. We are the principal beneficiaries when the team does well, so there is no reason for us to make decisions that will not help us."

Nigeria faces Egypt knowing that they must win to improve their chances of reaching the WAFCON knockout stage. They also aim to keep their hopes alive for retaining the continental title and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.