Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has reaffirmed his team’s determination to maintain their perfect run at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as they prepare to take on Algeria in their final Group B fixture on Sunday.
The clash is scheduled for the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Having already secured victories over Tunisia and Botswana in their first two group games, the nine-time African champions are aiming for a clean sweep in the group phase.
“Our commitment has been to take it one game at a time,” Madugu told thenff.com.
“We believe in our approach and we will adopt the tactics, pattern and approach that we believe can give us victory in each game. We respect all the teams but fear none.”
The upcoming match also rekindles memories of last year’s friendly double-header between Nigeria and Algeria, in which the Falcons asserted their dominance with 2-0 and 3-1 wins on home soil.
Rasheedat Ajibade starred in the first encounter in Ikenne with a pair of long-range strikes, while Folashade Ijamilusi dazzled at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos with a brace in the second game. Ijamilusi, now playing in China, is part of the current squad in Morocco.
A win on Sunday would not only reaffirm Nigeria’s historical upper hand over the Algerians but also continue their unbeaten run in 2024, boosting morale ahead of a potentially high-stakes quarter-final showdown next Friday.
However, Madugu will be without USA-based midfielder, Deborah Abiodun, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards in the first two matches.
In her absence, Esther Okoronkwo, who has made a notable impact with two assists and a Woman of the Match performance against Tunisia, could step into the starting lineup.
Alternatively, French-based Jennifer Echegini might get the nod for her consistency and discipline in midfield.
Madugu is also considering reshuffling his tactical setup. This could see Toni Payne assume playmaking duties in a deeper role, with Ajibade operating from the flank.
Francesca Ordega may be deployed on the opposite wing, while the energetic Rinsola Babajide could lead the attack through the center.