Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu says the Super Falcons will look to seize a second chance of reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face South Africa in the qualifying play-off on Thursday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Super Falcons entered the play-offs after their quarter-final defeat to Cameroon ended their hopes of automatic World Cup qualification and a place in the WAFCON semi-finals, leaving the ten-time African champions to navigate the qualification pathway to keep their ever-present World Cup record alive.
Madugu believes the defeat to Cameroon has provided an opportunity for Nigeria to respond and make the most of their second chance.
“We have a second chance. We have this second opportunity. We are still going to do the best that we can. 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,” Madugu said.
Madugu also assured that the team will select players who are ready to deliver against South Africa, stressing that there will be no room for experimentation.
“For tomorrow’s game, for every game we pick, we pick those that we feel are ready to ensure that we win every match. 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,” he said.
The coach described the WAFCON 2026 campaign as a major eye-opener for Nigeria, stressing that other African nations are making progress.
“For me, it’s a big eye-opener for everybody. Nothing is permanent. Everybody is investing so much and ensuring that they improve, so reality should dawn on us. We need to also understand that just because everybody is playing well now, we must also do a lot to try and ensure that we not only remain where we are but also try as much as possible to keep improving at all times,” he said.
Madugu also responded to the criticism that followed the quarter-final defeat to Cameroon.
“Today, Madugu is the worst coach because we lost a game. But when I check and study, how many matches have I played with the national team? The same people that sang ‘Hosanna, Hosanna’ were the same people that came back to say, ‘Crucify him, crucify him.’ So, I mean, we all take it in good faith because it’s painful when you are giving a lot,” he said.
Meanwhile, captain Rasheedat Ajibade urged the Super Falcons to put the disappointment behind them and focus on the opportunity against South Africa, stressing the importance of reaching the World Cup to the players and the country.
“What has happened has happened. There’s nothing we can do about that. We can’t control it anymore. It’s all about putting ourselves together and getting the loss behind us. Sometimes champions are defined in the face of adversities. We just have to go back and prepare better. Being in the World Cup, honestly, in Nigeria, that is very important for us. So we’ll do our best,” Ajibade said.
Thursday’s clash is scheduled to take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 9pm WAT. The winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
