Madugu Confident Super Falcons Are Ready for Crucial Zambia Clash

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has expressed confidence that his team is fully prepared for Saturday's crucial Group C encounter against Zambia at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the defending champions have moved on from their disappointing defeat to Malawi.

Nigeria suffered a shock 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their previous outing, marking the first time the Super Falcons had been beaten by a debutant nation in WAFCON history. The defeat sparked criticism of Madugu's tactical decisions and team selection, but the coach maintained that one poor result does not define the team's overall performance.

Responding to questions about his tactics, Madugu said criticism was expected after a defeat but insisted he remained confident in his approach. He pointed out that the same technical crew had guided the Super Falcons to several victories, including success at the previous tournament, stressing that the coaching staff knows what they are doing and remains focused on the task ahead.

The 61-year-old also defended his team selection against Malawi, explaining that players earn their places based on their performances in training and their suitability for the tactical approach planned for each match. He noted that coaches constantly assess players' readiness and make adjustments during games whenever necessary.

Looking ahead to the Zambia fixture, Madugu described the match as a must-win encounter for Nigeria. He acknowledged that Zambia would be buoyed by their victory over Egypt but insisted the Super Falcons were equally determined to respond positively and keep their title defence on course. According to him, the atmosphere in camp has improved considerably, with the players putting the disappointment behind them and focusing entirely on securing all three points.