Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his team is fully prepared mentally, physically, and tactically to take on Zambia in Friday’s quarterfinal showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking ahead of the crunch tie in Rabat, Madugu dismissed any fear of the Copper Queens, describing them as a “good team but not unbeatable.”
He insisted that Nigeria has the quality, experience, and belief to reach the semifinals.
“Zambia, we cannot take away the fact that they are a good team,” he said. “But they are not unbeatable. Anything can happen in a game of football.”
Justine Madugu in the Press Conference ahead of the 2024 Wafcon clash against Zambia. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
The Super Falcons are aiming to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the 2022 bronze medal match, Nigeria’s first loss to the Southern African side in WAFCON history.
That defeat came via an own goal and left a bitter taste among the Falcons squad.
Madugu confirmed the team has studied Zambia’s strengths, especially their attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who accounted for all six of their group-stage goals.
Banda and Racheal are key to Zambia’s run in Wafcon 2024. Photo Credit: X
“We know the players, we know their strengths. We also have our own plan of how to deal with that,” he stated. “The girls are in high spirits.
They are fully ready. Zambia too are uncomfortable facing us they know what we can do.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
The coach admitted that Nigeria must improve their finishing, noting that while the team has created chances, they haven’t been clinical enough in the final third.
“For you to win a match, you have to score goals,” he said. “It’s an area we’ve been working on.
We’ve had a few sessions focused on that and expect to be sharper against Zambia.”
READ MORE: we-have-one-heartbeat-plumptre-talks-team-unity-as-super-falcons-eye-zambia-revenge
Madugu also responded positively to the inclusion of Ashleigh Plumptre and Rasheedat Ajibade in the WAFCON group stage Best XI, calling it “a reflection of their performances” and a “motivation” for the rest of the squad.
Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre. Photo Credit: X
Despite acknowledging the unpredictability of football, Madugu stressed that the Falcons are focused on winning.
“We plan to win. Our mindset, preparation, mentality, and attitude are all aimed at winning,” he said.
“But in football, destiny also plays a role. Still, we are ready to give everything.”
