Super Falcons of Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu has issued a heartfelt apology to supporters after the Nigeria were held to 0-0 by Algeria in their final group match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Despite securing qualification for the quarter-finals, the nine-time African champions were far from convincing in Casablanca, and Madugu admitted that the team failed to meet expectations.
“First of all, we want to apologise to our dear countrymen and women for not winning the game,” Madugu said.
“I know the expectation is that we must always win. We gave it our best, but it didn’t go our way. We’re sorry, and we’ll work harder to make Nigerians proud in the games ahead.”
Nigeria topped Group C with seven points, following a 3-0 win over Tunisia and a narrow 1-0 victory against Botswana.
But their lack of sharpness against Algeria has raised concerns ahead of a cracking quarter-final clash with Zambia.
READ MORE: Super Falcons top WAFCON group despite frustrating stalemate
The Super Falcons now turn their focus to a Zambia side powered by two of the most feared forwards in world football: Rachel Kundananji and captain Barbra Banda.
Both players have been in blistering form for club and country, with their speed and clinical finishing earning them global recognition.
Still, Madugu insists Nigeria won’t be intimidated.
“We have our strategy. We’ve studied them closely. We know what they’re capable of,” he said. “We’re not too concerned about individual brilliance, it’s a team game. We’ll work on neutralising their strengths.”
Super Falcons speaking in the press room in Morocco. Photo Credit: X
Pressed on whether the Falcons were truly prepared to face such prolific strikers, Madugu stood firm.
“We’re not bothered. We know the players, we know what they bring, and we’ll have an antidote ready on match day.”
The coach admitted that his side underperformed against Algeria and accepted the criticism that followed.
“We didn’t play well. And we’re not happy about it,” Madugu said frankly. “There’s a lot of work to be done before the quarter-finals.”
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Nigeria have never failed to reach the semi-finals in WAFCON history, and anything short of that would be seen as a major setback for the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
Super Falcons face the Cooper Queens of Zambia in the quarter-finals on Thursday,17 July, in Rabat.
