The Nigerian Super Falcons are set to face off against Cape Verde in the first leg of a 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifier at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening.
Coach Justin Madugu has expressed unwavering confidence in his team, despite missing some regular players.
He remains optimistic about their chances and emphasizes the strength and resilience of the Super Falcons.
Madugu has stated that the Super Falcons team remains the Super Falcons anytime, any day, and anywhere.
He believes that the players in camp will do justice to the badge and earn them the qualification ticket to the AFCON.
The team is currently in camp and gearing up for the crucial encounter.
Madugu acknowledges the limited time for training, but he is determined to make the best out of the situation.
He affirmed that they would have wanted a couple more days for the team to train together, but the fixture is the fixture, and the window is the window, and they just have to make do with what they have and get the best out of the arrangement.
Out of the 21 invited players, 20 were present at the team’s camp on Tuesday morning, with Deborah Abiodun from the University of Pittsburgh expected to join later.
The Super Falcons reached this final stage of the qualification series after Sao Tome’s withdrawal from a second-round fixture in September.
Madugu is likely to rely on experienced players like Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, Peace Efih, Toni Payne, Esther Onyenezide, Omorinsola Babajide, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu, and Gift Monday for the crucial encounter.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been shortlisted for the CAF African Player of the Year awards, is expected to guard the goal.
The return leg of the encounter is scheduled for Praia on Tuesday, December 5th.
Ghanaian official Ama Boateng-Nkansah will officiate the first leg, with support from her compatriots and officials from Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.
The 13th edition of Africa’s flagship women’s football championship is slated for Morocco in July 2024.
The Super Falcons aim to secure victory in the qualifying rounds to advance to the prestigious tournament.
With the determination and confidence of Coach Madugu and his squad, they are poised to make a statement and come out victorious in the first-leg encounter against Cape Verde.
