Falcons ready to take second chance, says Madugu

Nigeria's Super Falcons are determined to seize a second chance at qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The team faces South Africa in a playoff match on Thursday, having missed automatic qualification after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

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We have a second chance and we will give it our all.

Coach Justine Madugu acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on defending their WAFCON title but emphasized the team's strengthened resolve. "We have a second chance and we will give it our all," Madugu stated, vowing to avoid the fate of the Super Eagles, Nigeria's men's national team, who also failed to convert their second chance at World Cup qualification after losing in the CAF play-off tournament.

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We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs.

Madugu takes responsibility for the team's performance and understands the national significance of qualifying for the World Cup. He believes the Super Falcons possess the necessary quality and determination to overcome the playoff hurdle and secure a spot in the tournament in Brazil. The coach's commitment is to ensure the team does not disappoint the nation, aiming to make a strong showing in the upcoming matches.

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I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. We know what it means for all of us and the country. I apologise and take responsibility for that.