Nigeria Super Falcons head, coach Justin Madugu and forward Esther Okoronkwo, admit there is still work to be done, despite their strong start to the tournament, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria began their WAFCON 2024 campaign with a 3–0 win against Tunisia. Okoronkwo, who came on at halftime and assisted the third goal, was named Woman of the Match for her impact. In a candid post-match interview session, both coach and player reflected on the team’s performance, chemistry, and the road ahead.
“It’s like the first game, we’re trying to get the energy together, work together and create as many chances as we can,” Okoronkwo said. “Obviously, the goals are going to come, and they did. But we just have to take the positives and hope for the next game and get more goals.”
She also revealed the tactical instructions given to her before coming on:
“Before I went in, the coach told me to be prepared, help the team up front if they need me, get the ball, try to lay it off and find other teammates. Just play together.”
For head coach Justin Madugu, the match brought both satisfaction and perspective. While pleased with the result, he remained focused on the bigger picture.
“It always feels good when you set out to play and you win. That’s the ultimate goal. The fact that the team won, it’s only natural that we’re happy,” he said.
Madugu was asked about his management of key players, including starting some in-form players on the bench and making high-profile substitutions at halftime. In response, he emphasized fairness and team balance over individual status.
“Every player that is here is of great importance,” he said. “We try as much as possible to promote team harmony and make everybody feel relevant. Nobody is more important than the other.
Whoever does well continues. Whoever doesn’t, we make the necessary changes because we want to do better.”
Leading the Super Falcons at WAFCON for the first time as head coach, Madugu acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with chasing Nigeria’s 10th continental title.
“It is a significant responsibility, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity. Managing a team of the Super Falcons’ calibre, with its history and expectations, is a demanding task, but one we are fully committed to upholding and advancing.”
Despite the 3–0 scoreline, the coach was quick to note that the performance wasn’t perfect.
“We are not flattered by the result,” he added. “We’ve reviewed the game and identified areas that need improvement. It’s still a work in progress. You don’t expect your team to be at their best in the first game, the aim is to grow into the tournament.”
As the Falcons prepare for their next group game, the message from both coach and player is clear: there is more to come from this team.
