Nigeria Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has described his side’s 1-0 win over Botswana as tough and competitive, as the team secured a place in the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals with a game to spare, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Super Falcons laboured to a narrow win over Botswana on Thursday night at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, ensuring early qualification to the knockout round of the 2024 WAFCON. Speaking after the match, Coach Justin Madugu admitted it was a hard-fought battle.
“We all saw the game was a tough one, highly competitive. The Botswana players were very spirited and determined. It was a good and a tough game,” Madugu said at the post-match press conference.
Nigeria struggled to break down a resolute Botswana defence for much of the evening, but eventually found the breakthrough in the 89th minute. Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo timed her run perfectly, slid in, and poked home from close range after connecting with a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo to hand the nine-time African champions a late and decisive win.
Madugu was also asked about some unusual positional changes in the starting lineup, which saw a few players struggle to find rhythm and cohesion in the first half. “You know every game has its own strategy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s why you make changes when things aren’t working. Not every player has a good day, and it’s not deliberate. That’s why we have depth on the bench,” he explained.
“Yes, some players didn’t perform individually, and that affected our overall game. We weren’t happy about it, but we improved in the second half, created chances, and converted one.”
With Nigeria’s place in the quarterfinals now secured, attention turned to their approach for the final group game against Algeria. Madugu stressed the need for squad rotation while maintaining a competitive edge. “It’s always a work in progress. Even if we had scored 10 goals today, there would still be things to improve on. Certainly, we’ll make some changes against Algeria, not because we’re fielding a weaker team, but to manage players properly. We’re looking at six games in this tournament. Everyone here is capable of playing.”
When asked whether the difficult nature of the match was due to Nigeria underperforming or Botswana stepping up, Madugu responded, “I think it’s both. Botswana had lost their first game and were determined to get a result. On our side, some players were complacent, we took things for granted and that showed in our performance.”
Nigeria will be without midfielder Deborah Abiodun in the next match, after she picked up yellow cards in both of the team’s opening games. “We’re aware of her suspension, but qualifying early allows us to test others in the same formation and see what they bring. You can’t be the best without beating the best. It’s work in progress. Every team deserves respect. As we move forward, the opposition will be tougher, and we are ready.”
Controversy also surrounded aspects of the officiating, including a possible handball incident and the absence of goal-line technology at the tournament. “It’s not our place to judge referees. They are assessed by professionals. Everyone saw what happened, but judgement is subjective,” Madugu stated. “Some decisions can’t be questioned, referees are in charge, and we must move on and focus on the game.”
Nigeria will wrap up their Group B campaign against Algeria, knowing that a positive result will not only help maintain momentum but also give other players a chance to stake their claim ahead of the crucial knockout phase.
