Nigeria coach Justin Madugu declares Super Falcons ready for WAFCON semifinal against South Africa

Nigeria women’s national team head coach Justin Madugu has declared that his team is ready to face reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holders South Africa on Tuesday in a highly anticipated 2024 WAFCON semifinal battle in Casablanca.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Casablanca, Madugu affirmed that the nine-time African women’s champions are determined.

“The preparations are good, the girls have been very committed, determined, they are in good shape, they are well prepared.”

The also coach emphasized that his players are acutely aware of the magnitude of the task ahead he highlighted the team’s collective determination to reclaim the continental crown.

“They are focused on the task ahead. This puts extra pressure on everybody. It comes with extra pressure because it does not give room for mistakes.”

Also speaking ahead of the match, Super Falcons Forward Esther Okoronwo who expressed a confident mentality as well.

“We go into every game with the same mentality to want to win, regardless of what is in front of us. We are prepared and ready to win tomorrow. We’re not really looking at the other team’s stats; we just focus on us and what we’re going to do tomorrow.”

Okoronwo, who has had a wonderful 2024 WAFCON by leading the tournament with four assists as well as a goal, added that she’s happy to help the team in any capacity to emerge victorious.

“When I am on the field, I just want to help the team the best way I can, whether it is by scoring or assisting. The fact that we want to win the tournament is a great motivation to bring the trophy back to Nigeria.”

The Super Falcons arrive at this crucial juncture on the back of a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, where they thrashed the Copper Queens of Zambia with a commanding 5-0 victory.

Meanwhile, the defending champions faced a resilient Senegal and triumphed after a goalless 120 minutes. South Africa progressed 4-1 in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making crucial saves to send them into the semifinals.

With both teams showcasing strong campaigns, the clash at the Stade Larbi Zaouli promises to be a thrilling encounter with a place at stake in the WAFCON final on July 26th.