Despite the Super Falcons’ worrisome run at the 2024 WAFCON, several Nigerian coaches feel the Justine Madugu-led squad is doing everything possible to win the country’s tenth continental crown.
The Super Falcons advanced to the tournament’s last eight with one game remaining, but their performance in those games has raised doubts among fans about their chances of earning a 10th WAFCON title.
After a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their first game, the team faltered in their second game, a gritty 1-0 victory over Botswana thanks to a late goal by Chiwendu Ihezuo, before finishing with a dismal goalless draw against Algeria.
Ahead of Friday’s quarter-final match against Zambia, who defeated the squad in the third-place playoff during the 2022 edition, fans and former players have urged the team to improve its performance; however, some coaches disagree.
Mansur Abdullahi, a former assistant coach for the team, expressed his support for Madugu’s attitude to the event.
“The performance is not a bad one. I remind Nigerians that we all remember when Waldrum was in charge of the team; we didn’t even win the WAFCON. So, our target is how the Falcons will get something out of this tournament,” Abdullahi stated.
“At times in tournaments, a team can play badly, but if they are getting the result, then we should bear with them. I have confidence that the Falcons will do very well.”
Remo Stars Ladies coach, Wemimo Matthew, also shared coach Abdullahi’s sentiments.
“One thing I know is that there is no player who will go to the field and want to perform badly. As far as I’m concerned, they are giving their best. They have been able to win two out of three games, drawing one; that’s a very good result for me.
“We have to give credit to the players and the coaches. I think the coach is doing his best, and I believe we will beat Zambia.”
Edwin Okon, former coach of the Falcons, also said, “I am happy that we are progressing, but we just need to take it as it comes. The players know what’s at stake. The coaches will also know what to do to succeed. Whether they have beaten us before, the match is a different ball game altogether, so I am sure the players know what is at stake,” the coach said.
Nigeria is the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won nine of the 12 editions and advanced to at least the semi-finals in all of them.
