‘We know what is at stake’, Madugu rallies Super Falcons for Cameroon WAFCON showdown

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu emphasized that his players are acutely aware of the significance of their upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Cameroon. The defending champions are set to face the Indomitable Lionesses in Casablanca on Sunday, with both a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup on the line.

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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 conveyed Nigeria's readiness for the challenge, stating, "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." He added, "We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day."

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We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.

While acknowledging that the Super Falcons have conceded goals during the group stage, Madugu remains optimistic about the team's defensive capabilities. "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."

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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.

However, the coach confirmed that the squad is dealing with some injury concerns. "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 echoed the coach's confidence, stressing the team's focus on World Cup qualification and retaining their continental crown.

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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.