With the Super Falcons preparing to begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown against Malawi, head coach Justin Madugu has said that Nigeria will not allow expectation or reputation to distract the team from what he believes is the only target that matters on matchday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons enter the tournament carrying high expectations after reclaiming the African crown last year. They remain the continent’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles and are among the favourites to lift the trophy again.
However, the competition has become more demanding, with 16 teams now taking part and four semi-finalists guaranteed places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The two beaten quarter-finalists will also have another opportunity through the inter-confederation play-offs.
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Nigeria’s preparations have been carefully managed in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Madugu used friendly matches against Senegal and Tanzania to assess his squad, while a planned meeting with Ghana was cancelled before the team settled into its training base in Morocco. Throughout that period, the Super Falcons coach repeatedly stressed that there was still room for improvement, even after positive results.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Madugu believes his side are ready to begin the defence of the title.
“We have a focus, we have a target, and we know what we really want to achieve. We are here to ensure that we qualify for the World Cup, as well as retain the trophy we won last year.”
The 62-year-old also refused to dismiss Malawi because of their status as tournament debutants. The Scorchers earned their place after an impressive qualifying campaign and have openly targeted a place in the knockout rounds, something Madugu believes deserves respect rather than complacency.
“They are debutants, yes, but they are a very good side, and we don’t take anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose.”
