WAFCON 2026: Madugu Regrets Missed Chances In Falcons Defeat To Cameroon
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria chief coach, Justin Madugu has showed remorse following the Super Falcons 1-0 defeat to Cameroon at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco.
Myriam Nyadjou 19th minute strike compelled the Falcons to exit the Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 at the quarter final stage which signalled their worst performance in the Africa showpiece.
The emotional Madugu accepted the responsibility for Nigeria’s failure to defeat the Indomitable Lioness but he reassured fans of the possibility of correcting their wrongs in the playoffs against South Africa.
“I quite understand the pains everybody is going through, we all know what it means as a country. Like I said, I apologize and take responsibility for that but we still have a second chance and we will give it our all. Make sure that we do not disappoint and go the same way the men too. We will do our best and try to get it right to go through the playoffs” Madugu admitted at the post-match press conference after the Nigeria vs Cameroon clash.
The experienced gaffer commended the Indomitable Lioness for standing tall to inflict defeat on the Falcons and rated them as one of the best team in the tournament through their group exploits.
“I will like to give the Cameroon team credit that won their game today. They came in as one of the best ranked teams in the tournament and came top in their group.”
Madugu believes if the Falcons had converted the chances created the atmosphere would have changed to a positive one.
“They played and defended well but we created a lot of chances that if we had converted, the result would have been different.”
The Super Falcons will have the chance of putting their disappointment behind them as they face the Bayana Bayana in the World Cup qualification playoffs on Thursday , August 13 in Casablanca and the winner of the tie will qualify to play the Intercontinental playoffs to determine their place at the prestigious FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil 2027.
