Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has declared his team fully prepared for Saturday’s much-anticipated final clash against host nation Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian side, nine-time champions of the tournament, are aiming to extend their continental dominance with a 10th title at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Despite the short turnaround time between matches, Madugu expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
“As usual, we’ve been preparing well. Although the interval between the last game and the next game is very short, but then we just have to make do with the time we have. We’re doing the best to make sure that we’re fully prepared for the game tomorrow,” he told reporters at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
Playing in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, Madugu acknowledged the challenge but insisted that his players are unfazed and well-prepared.
“When you play in the final, there are always pressures because it comes with the extra desire that you really want to make it. You have worked so hard to get to where you are and then you just make some extra effort to actualise the dream of carrying the trophy. Yes, we are preparing very well in all aspects,” he noted.
“Mentally, psychologically, whatever it is that we are anticipating, we are taking care of it and we know it’s not just going to be to play football and we go. We must prepare for every scenario that can occur on the field of play. We are fully aware of that and experience has taught us so many things and we are fully prepared for that.”
Heading into the final, Nigeria boasts the best attacking and defensive record in the tournament, netting 11 goals and conceding just once. Madugu stressed that sticking to the team’s strategy will be key.
“We have our own game plan. We are sticking to our game plan. We also know we are playing against a good team. We know what they are expecting from the game tomorrow. We are fully prepared for it and as I said, we are sticking to our own game plan,” he explained.
“We know all the scenarios are always different. Scenarios have never been the same. It’s a new scenario and we are playing against a top team.
“We quite know what they can also do. We also are aware of the calibre of the coach that they also have. But like I said, we believe in ourselves. We believe in our players. We trust what we are doing and we will stick to our game plan to ensure that we win.”
With their sights set on glory, the Super Falcons will step onto the pitch on Saturday knowing that history beckons once again.
