Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has declared that his team will make the most of their final opportunity to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 10-time African champions missed out on automatic qualification for the global showpiece following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will now face Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday (today), with a place in the inter-confederation playoffs at stake.
Madugu On South Africa Clash
Madugu acknowledged the importance of the encounter, and insisted that the Super Falcons are determined to fight hard, and overcome Desiree Ellis’ side.
The coach expressed confidence in his players’ ability to respond positively to the disappointment against Cameroon and take advantage of their final route towards qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
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“We have a second chance. We have this second opportunity. We are still going to do the best that we can,”Madugu said during his interaction with the media in Casablanca.
“We’re not leaving anything out. We’re going to put in all our best to make sure that we put smiles on the faces of our people because we know what it means to all of us as Nigerians.”
To Time For Experimentation
Madugu also assured that he would field players who are fully prepared to deliver against South Africa, insisting there would be no room for experimentation in the crucial encounter.
“For tomorrow’s (today) game, for every game we pick, we pick those that we feel are ready to ensure that we win every match,” added the gaffer.
“It’s not just about squad rotation, that everybody should have an opportunity to just play. It’s not about that. It’s about ensuring that we have the right people that will always win every game for us.”
By Adeboye Amosu
