“We know what is at stake, it is a must-win game,” said Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu, addressing reporters on the eve of Nigeria’s decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Zambia. The defending champions are in urgent need of a result after losing their opening Group C fixture 3-2 to Malawi – a stunning setback that ended their unbeaten record against WAFCON debutants and put their title defence on the brink.
Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history with 10 titles, had been tipped to cruise through the group stage. Instead, they find themselves bottom of the group, level on zero points with Egypt, while Malawi and Zambia both opened with victories. With only two teams advancing to the knockout rounds, another slip-up could spell disaster for the Falcons.
Zambia arrive in confident mood following a 6-0 demolition of Egypt, a result that gives them a mountain of momentum. The Copper Queens will feel they can trouble a Nigerian side that looked vulnerable in defence during the Malawi match.
Madugu Acknowledges the Scale of the Challenge
“The feeling is good, everyone is looking very bright. We have put behind us the disappointment of the last game. We are looking forward to the game against Zambia,” Madugu said at the pre-match briefing. He acknowledged that Zambia’s emphatic victory over Egypt will have boosted their confidence, but stressed that Nigeria will not take to the pitch with any sense of inferiority.
“We are aware that Zambia’s confidence will be boosted by their victory over Egypt. We will also not want to approach the game in a manner that suggests we cannot be beaten,” he added.
Pressure Mounts After Malawi Defeat
The loss to Malawi – a team playing in its first WAFCON – has heaped pressure on Madugu, with pundits and fans questioning his tactical approach and team selection. The Falcons entered the match as overwhelming favourites, and their failure to see off a less experienced side has raised doubts about the squad’s readiness to defend their continental crown.
But Madugu remains defiant. He insists that one bad result does not define his work with the team. “They are questioning my technical and tactical ability because we lost a game. But was the Malawi game the first I have handled with the Super Falcons?” he asked. “It was not the first game. I have handled several other matches that we won. Nobody questioned me then.”
He went on: “The fact is that we know what we are doing. We are focused and looking ahead. We played at the tournament in 2024 and we won. Because we lost one game, people are questioning the tactics. It is within their rights to do so. I do not have any problem with that.”
How Madugu Picks His Team
Addressing the debate over his starting XI for the Malawi game, Madugu explained that every player earns her place through hard work in training. Reputation and past achievements count for little; what matters is current form and how well a player fits the plan for a specific match.
“Of course, if a player does not train well, how do you prove to us that you are ready for action?” he said. “It is what we see you do in training that shows your level of preparedness, whether you are ready or not. You do not work with the mindset that you are always going to play. It does not work that way.”
He further elaborated: “You have to look at the players, assess them, also with the game plan you have in mind. When you present an idea, who is adapting to it, who is doing it well, these are the things you see before coming up with your selection. Then, when things go wrong, that is why we are there as coaches, to observe and correct them. It is not magic. There are things that take time for the players to understand. Some will assimilate quickly, others will not.”
Win or Bust for Nigeria
Saturday’s showdown is pivotal. A win would likely put Nigeria back in contention for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, while a loss or even a draw could leave them on the edge of a shocking group-stage exit. The Falcons have never been eliminated in the group stage in their illustrious history, and Madugu will be desperate to avoid that unwanted first.
With so much at stake, the Super Falcons know they must produce a much-improved performance against Zambia. The players, the coaching staff, and the entire Nigerian football community will be hoping that the team’s composure and quality shine through when it matters most.
