Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his players know what is at stake as Nigeria gets ready for the big Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Cameroon in Casablanca.
The defending champions will face the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Sunday. A win will secure a spot in the semi-finals and qualify Nigeria for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Madugu believes Nigeria is prepared for the challenge and is determined to keep their title defense going.
“It’s an important match because we all know what is at stake, the ticket for the World Cup. After the World Cup ticket, you have the semi-finals, which will also enable you to continue your quest for retaining the trophy,” Madugu said at his pre-match press conference.
“We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.”
The Super Falcons have played Cameroon twice in recent friendlies, but Madugu does not think those matches give a true picture of Sunday’s game.
The coach noted that both teams have changed since those games. Some players from earlier matches are now missing, while new players have joined the squads.
“The last two games we played against Cameroon were preparatory games, and a lot of things went into those matches,” he explained.
“There were players that were not involved then who are here now for both teams, so we’re not using those games to assess the current team.”
Nigeria has given up goals during the group stage, but Madugu is confident his team can improve their defense without losing the attacking power that keeps them competitive.
“There can always be a starting point when you don’t concede goals, and we’re believing it will start from the quarter-final stage,” he said.
“We have been working to ensure that those mistakes and loopholes that caused those goals are corrected. Yes, we conceded goals, but we equally score goals, so it’s still positive for us.”
The coach confirmed there are injury worries in the squad ahead of the key match.
“We have some injury concerns in the team. The medical team is working on that to prepare the players in better shape,” Madugu revealed.
Midfielder Toni Payne shares Madugu’s confidence. She emphasized that the Super Falcons are focused on qualifying for the World Cup and moving closer to keeping their continental title.
“Everyone in the team, including myself and the staff, are really confident going into this game,” Payne said.
“It was our goal to get through the group stage and have a chance at qualifying for the World Cup. We did that, so we’re ready to continue to that next step.”
The Inter Milan midfielder expects Cameroon to be tough but believes Nigeria has the experience and preparation needed to handle the challenge.
“We know every game is going to pose a different threat to us. They have their style, and we have our own style,” she said.
“We know it’s going to be a physical game, but that’s something that we’re always prepared for. A lot of us have been playing football for a long time, and we know what it takes to win games.”
Despite Nigeria’s great record at the WAFCON, Payne insists the Super Falcons still want more success.
“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning. We appreciate all the accomplishments we’ve made, but we’re just as hungry as ever,” she said.
“The opportunity to win an 11th title is something we’re all looking forward to.”
Nigeria will take on Cameroon at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. A win will guarantee the Super Falcons a place in the semi-finals and secure their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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