WAFCON 2016: Madugu Insists Victory Against Egypt Our Only Option
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria head coach, Justin Madugu has declared that only a win against Egypt will do as Nigeria seeks to keep its fate firmly in its own hands at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Super Falcons will square up against Egypt in a must win encounter as they hope to qualify for the quarter final stage. The game will be played at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.
Madugu said the coaching staff had carefully examined every possible scenario that could secure qualification for the next stage.
“The standing table is a serious concern, but we have gone through different permutations of what can take us through. We know exactly what we need to do. We want our fate to remain in our own hands and not depend on any other team. We know the result that will take us through and that is what we are going out to achieve.”
Madugu emphasised that the approach to the Egypt match would be no different from any other fixture. The team, he insisted, always prepares with the sole intention of winning.
“We prepare for every game with the intention to win. This is not a different scenario against Egypt. We are going there to ensure victory is our only option and get the result that will qualify us for the next stage.”
Addressing questions around experienced forward Francisca Ordega’s involvement, the coach defended the decision to include her in the squad.
“If we felt Ordega wasn’t doing well, we wouldn’t have brought her to this competition because we know the role each player has to play, especially the experienced ones.
“We are the principal beneficiaries when the team does well, so we won’t do anything that we know will not help us. We know what winning means to the team and to Nigeria.”
Madugu acknowledged the high expectations placed on the Super Falcons and the disappointment that follows when those expectations are not met.
“We understand the trust and regard people have for the Super Falcons, and we know how painful it is when expectations are not met. Sometimes things go wrong in football, but it is never intentional. We will always do our best to make Nigerians proud.”
