Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B clash against Egypt, insisting the players are determined to secure qualification for the quarter-finals without relying on results elsewhere.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Madugu revealed that the squad is in high spirits and fully aware of the importance of the encounter.
“We are good to go. The team is in high spirits, and we’re getting ready for the next game. We all know what is at stake and are doing our best to ensure we get the right result that will take us to the next stage of the competition.”
The Super Falcons coach said his technical crew has carefully studied every possible qualification scenario but stressed that Nigeria’s priority is to control its own destiny.
“We have gone through all the possible permutations that can get us through, and we know exactly which scenarios will qualify us. We want our fate to remain in our own hands and not depend on anybody else.”
Madugu also defended the continued importance of experienced players within the squad amid ongoing discussions over team selection.
According to the coach, success at a major tournament depends on far more than performances during matches.
“There are many ingredients that make a team successful. Football is not only about what happens on the pitch; there are other qualities players bring to the team, including leadership, guidance, team bonding, harmony, and experience. We understand the roles our experienced players play, both on and off the pitch.
He added that the healthy competition for starting places has given the coaching staff difficult but welcome selection decisions.
“Having good players in the team is a good headache. We have to analyse many things, discuss and assess performances in training before deciding who plays.”
Meanwhile, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale believes the Super Falcons have learned valuable lessons from their opening matches and are prepared to deliver an improved performance against Egypt.
Responding to criticism of Nigeria’s defensive communication earlier in the tournament, Ohale insisted the team has already addressed those concerns.
“We always communicate, we always talk to ourselves. Communication is not left for one person; it’s a team thing. We tried to correct our mistakes from the first game and you could see that in our last game against Zambia. We’ll continue to build from there.”
The experienced centre-back also stressed that the squad remains united despite external criticism.
“We are all professionals and we know what is expected of us. We are a family. When one is down, everyone tries to bring that person up.”
Ohale further reaffirmed her commitment to the national team, saying her desire to represent Nigeria remains as strong as ever as she pursues another continental title.
“It’s still the same passion and the same love for the game. We keep pushing and make sure we take the sixth one for myself and the 11th one for the country.
Nigeria head into the final Group B fixture level on three points with Zambia, while Malawi lead the standings with six points. Egypt are yet to register a point in the competition.
The Super Falcons will face Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat at 9:00 p.m., while Malawi take on Zambia in the other group fixture. With two quarter-final places still up for grabs, Nigeria know that victory would guarantee their place in the knockout stage and keep their WAFCON title ambitions firmly on course.
