Oluwatosin Enesi
Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off this weekend in Morocco.
The nine-time African champions rounded off their preparations for the tournament with an impressive 3-1 victory over West African rivals, Ghana, in a friendly match played at the Ziaida Palace Benslimane Field in Casablanca on Sunday. Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala, and team captain Rasheedat Ajibade sealed the win for Nigeria.
Speaking after the match, Madugu described the encounter as a valuable test for the team, ahead of their Group B opener against Tunisia on July 6.
“The match gave us the opportunity to assess our strength as a full squad, and work on team cohesion, coordination, and various combinations,” he said.
“It will always be a work in progress, but our target of Mission X is clear and achievable. The girls are showing great hunger for success, and the team spirit is very high. We will continue to improve on our weak areas and be ready for the opening game.”
The victory over Ghana adds to Madugu’s growing list of successes since taking charge of the Super Falcons. Under his leadership, Nigeria secured qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with wins over Ethiopia and South Africa and also booked their place at WAFCON by overcoming Cape Verde.
Madugu, 61, has now guided the Falcons to friendly wins over Algeria, Cameroon, and Ghana, alongside a credible draw against Portugal. His only loss so far came in a narrow defeat to France last November.
Nigeria, the most decorated women’s national team in Africa, will be chasing a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco. The Falcons have won nine out of the 12 tournaments since the competition’s inception in 1998.
In Group B, Nigeria will battle Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Their first match is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, against Tunisia in Casablanca.
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