Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, have expressed their beliefs that the team can go all the way to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, www.aclsports.com reports.
The multiple African champions defeated Cameroon 2-0 in a friendly match in Abeokuta on Tuesday evening. It was the first time Nigeria would secure a two-goal win over Cameroon since the 2014 WAFCON final in Namibia.
Head coach Justin Madugu, who was part of that victorious 2014 team, praised the squad’s progress. “The team is still a work in progress,” he said. “But I commend the girls for their effort. Nigeria vs. Cameroon is never just a friendly, there’s always pride at stake.”
Forward Rasheedat Ajibade was the star of the day, scoring both goals and thanking her teammates and fans. “It’s an honor to score two goals, but I couldn’t have done it without the team. The fans also gave us great energy today.”
Ajibade emphasized the squad’s depth and unity: “The Super Falcons have many talented players. No one is indispensable. When you get the chance, you must rise to the occasion.”
As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2024 WAFCON, questions remain about the limited number of friendly matches in their buildup. “Coach Madugu admitted he would have preferred more friendly matches before the tournament. “More games would have helped us test our strategies and give others a chance to prove themselves, but we’ll maximize what we have. Our goal is to make Nigerians proud.”
When asked about tactical changes during the match, the coach revealed the team’s adaptability. “Every game comes with its own demands. If Plan A doesn’t work, you switch to Plan B or even Plan C. What matters is getting the best out of the players. We want them to express themselves and play good football.”
Madugu also emphasized the team’s flexible approach, saying that formation choices would be tailored based on opposition analysis. “We’ve got players who can adapt to different systems. We’ll adjust accordingly.”
Madugu added, “The rescheduling may have disrupted our rhythm early on, but the girls stayed focused. They recovered well and took control of the game.”
With WAFCON approaching fast, the mood in camp is positive. “We know what’s ahead of us,” said the captain. “We’re ready to give our best.”
The captain added, “We’ll follow the coach’s instructions, stick to our tactics, and give everything we have to achieve this goal.”
On the campaign to reclaim the continental crown, dubbed #MissionX, both coach and captain were in agreement. “Yes, it is possible,” Madugu affirmed. “But we know other nations want the same. Still, we will do our best to reach that goal.”
As Nigeria gears up for WAFCON, this win over Cameroon is more than just a friendly, it’s a statement of intent. With a mix of experience, tactical flexibility, and stars like Ajibade leading the charge, the Super Falcons look set to soar.
