Tremendous Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has acknowledged the load of expectation that comes with main Nigeria into one other Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) marketing campaign, insisting he’s absolutely ready to deal with the stress because the crew targets a profitable title defence in Morocco.
READ ALSO: Aiyenugba Advises Calm as Nigeria Awaits FIFA Verdict on DR Congo Appeal
Talking forward of the crew’s departure for Cameroon for a pair of preparatory worldwide friendlies towards the Indomitable Lionesses, Madugu admitted that defending a continental crown naturally brings added scrutiny, however maintained that stress is a part of the accountability of managing Africa’s most profitable girls’s nationwide crew.
“There’ll at all times be stress when you’re teaching the Tremendous Falcons,” Madugu stated. “We’re the defending champions and essentially the most profitable crew on the continent, so expectations will at all times be excessive. I perceive that, and I’m prepared for the duty.”
The coach defined that the upcoming double-header towards Cameroon varieties a key a part of Nigeria’s build-up to the match, providing a chance to evaluate participant health, tactical steadiness and crew chemistry.
“These pleasant video games are essential for us,” he famous. “They permit us to check completely different mixtures, consider our readiness and fine-tune areas we have to enhance earlier than the competitors begins.”
Madugu additionally pressured that whereas Nigeria’s historical past on the WAFCON instructions respect, previous achievements alone won’t assure success.
“We can’t depend on status,” he warned. “Different groups have improved considerably, and they’ll all wish to beat Nigeria. We should keep centered, disciplined and hungry.”
The Tremendous Falcons coach praised the angle throughout the camp, describing the gamers as extremely motivated and dedicated to the objective of retaining the title.
“The gamers know what’s at stake,” he added. “They’re working onerous, exhibiting professionalism and taking each session significantly. That provides me confidence.”
As Nigeria prepares to face Cameroon, Madugu emphasised that the friendlies usually are not nearly outcomes, however about long-term readiness.
“Profitable is essential, however preparation is much more essential at this stage,” he stated. “We wish to arrive on the WAFCON absolutely ready, mentally and bodily.”
Madugu concluded by assuring Nigerians that the crew will give all the things in pursuit of one other continental triumph.
“We respect each opponent,” he stated, “however our objective is obvious — to defend our title and make Nigerians proud as soon as once more.”
