Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his players fully understand what is at stake as Nigeria prepare for a high-stakes Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Cameroon in Casablanca.
The defending champions face the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup both on the line.
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Madugu insists Nigeria are ready for the challenge and determined to keep their title defence alive.
“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.
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“We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.”
The Super Falcons have already faced Cameroon twice in recent friendlies, but Madugu does not believe those matches provide an accurate assessment of Sunday’s contest.
The coach pointed out that both teams have changed in those meetings, with several players who featured previously now absent, while others 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 have conceded goals during the group stage, but Madugu remains confident his team can tighten up defensively without losing the attacking threat that has kept 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, however, confirmed that there are injury concerns within the squad ahead of the crucial encounter.
“We have some injury concerns in the team. The medical team is working on that to prepare the players in better shape,” Madugu revealed.
Payne: Super Falcons are ‘just as hungry as ever’
Midfielder Toni Payne shared Madugu’s confidence, stressing that the Super Falcons are focused on securing World Cup qualification and taking another step towards retaining their continental crown.
“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 provide a physical test but believes Nigeria have the experience and preparation required to cope with 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.”
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Despite Nigeria’s remarkable record at the WAFCON, Payne insists the Super Falcons’ hunger for success has not diminished.
“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, with victory guaranteeing the Super Falcons a place in the semi-finals and securing their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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