Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has expressed confidence ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against host nation Morocco, assuring Nigerians that he has crafted a tactical plan to secure victory.
Madugu, whose team edged out defending champions South Africa in the semi-final thanks to Michelle Alozie’s late stunner, said his coaching approach throughout the tournament has been highly strategic and opponent-specific, and the final will be no different.
“We thank God for making it to the final,” Madugu told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media team. “I want to assure you that we are not going to relent or take our eyes off the ball. Our focus is on lifting the trophy in Rabat on Saturday.”
The Super Falcons have shown grit and tactical flexibility throughout the tournament, and Madugu has earned praise for his ability to adapt strategies to suit each opponent. The 61-year-old coach noted that this deliberate approach will again be applied against the Moroccan side.
“We knew South Africa, as Cup holders, would be difficult, but we were ready for them. I’m glad that our tactics paid off,” he said.
“As I said before the tournament, we always assess our opposition first, and then determine what tactics will suit us better and serve our purpose. We have done this in our previous five games, and we will do the same in the final.”
Madugu was similarly confident before the clash with South Africa, boldly claiming his team could end Bayana Bayana’s unbeaten run since 2016, a prediction that was fulfilled in dramatic fashion.
Now, with the Atlas Lionesses standing between Nigeria and a record-extending WAFCON title, Madugu remains unfazed. He hinted that fans should expect a new tactical twist on Saturday night, as the team aims to conquer the hosts and crown their impressive run in the tournament with gold.
The final showdown takes place in Rabat, where the Super Falcons will aim to cement their dominance on the African continent and silence the home crowd with yet another tactical masterclass.
