National Teams
‘Silent achiever’ – Edo deputy gov Shaibu hails Madugu over WAFCON qualification
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Honourable Philip Shaibu has described interim manager Justin Madugu as a silent achiever following Nigeria 2-1 comeback victory over Cape Verde in Praia on Tuesday.
The Super Falcons had earned a 5-0 first leg lead in the final round of qualifiers before second half goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade sealed the country qualification for the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations.
Following the hard-fought comeback win, the nine-time African champions also hailed the team for securing the 13th successive qualification ticket to the next year’s continental showpiece in Morocco.
In four consecutive matches, Madugu had overseen the Super Falcons on interim basis following expiration of Randy Waldrum’s contract, ensuring the team record three wins and one draw, amassing 12 goals and conceded twice.
The former House of Reps member and 2024 governorship aspirant could not hide his delight, while urging the team and the Federation to start preparation for the tournament earnestly.
“As usual, you have done it again!
Congratulations, girls @NGSuper_Falcons, on your qualification for next year’s @CAFwomen Cup of Nations. Congratulations also to @thenff and your “Silent Achiever” manager, Justin Madugu.” Shaibu wrote his X handle.
“While we celebrate this, let’s get back to work as soon as possible and refill our tanks as we embark on another journey of success in Morocco, next year.
#SoarSuperFalcons|#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024|#PowerofNaija 💪💪💪.”
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Super Falcons have qualified for every edition of the WAFCON since the tournament started in 1998 in Nigeria.
Congratulatory messages have been flooding in since the team’s qualification on Tuesday from football stakeholders including the Minister of Sports.
The team has won nine of the past 12 editions with Equatorial Guinea winning two while current holders, South Africa won their maiden title in 2022.
