Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has given his word to Nigerians that the team is prepared to rise to the expectations of their loyal and enthusiastic fans as they prepare for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to take place in Morocco.
In a chat with the media department of the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of the prestigious tournament, Madugu extended his appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering encouragement and reaffirmed that both the players and coaching staff are focused on living up to that faith.
He acknowledged that the squad is well aware of the heavy expectations placed on them and emphasized that they are determined to put in the work necessary to avoid letting the nation down.
“We appreciate Nigerians for their consistent support for the Super Falcons,” Madugu said.
“They have always shown great confidence in the team and have stood by us in every way possible. On our part, we are doing everything we can to sustain that confidence and we will try as much as possible to meet their expectations.”
Madugu also urged Nigerians to keep believing in the team, appealing for continuous moral and spiritual support as they head into the competition.
“Let them just continue to trust and support the team, pray for the team and wish the team well,” he added.
Ahead of the tournament, the nine-time African champions concluded their training schedule with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ghana in a preparatory friendly on Sunday. Their opening fixture in the WAFCON group stage is scheduled for July 6, where they will take on Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Despite the high stakes and expectations to clinch a record-setting 10th continental title, Madugu previously downplayed the idea of pressure, making it clear that his focus is on achieving success through discipline and determination.
“I am not under pressure. There will be stories and distractions, but we are staying focused on what lies ahead,” he said.
“We know our target. We are going for the trophy, that’s what doing well means for us. It is mission ‘X’ for every one of us.”
He also highlighted how the team’s performance could have a ripple effect on opportunities for domestic coaches in the country, saying that their outcome will speak volumes beyond the pitch.
“We are not just representing ourselves; we are representing all Nigerian coaches. If we succeed, it opens the door for others to be trusted with this kind of responsibility. If we fail, it makes things difficult for the next coach coming behind.”
Nigeria is grouped alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B as they pursue redemption and aim to reclaim the WAFCON title last won by South Africa in 2022.
