Paris 2024: Justine Madugu unsatisfied by Nigeria poor scoring against Ethiopia 

By Wale Mustapha

Stand-in coach of Nigeria women’s national team, Justine Madugu has attributed anxiety and desperation as reasons for the team’s inability to score more goals in their Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers against Ethiopia.

The Super Falcons defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the second leg of the qualifiers securing the ticket to final qualifying rounds 5-1 on aggregate. A brace from Rasheedat Ajibade plus Asisat Oshoala and Uchenna Kanu strike ensure the healthy second leg triumph at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The victory was a delight for Madugu but he feels his girls could have scored more.

“There was much anxiety in the first half. The girls were anxious to get goals that would calm their nerves and give everybody confidence to get the result that they desired,” Madugu told media.

“This accounted for why they couldn’t calm down in front of goals and the reason why we lost several goals.

“I had to tell them… calm down, take it easy. When the goal will come it will come. It is not about rushing to get goals, you must stick to the game plan.

“When we lose opportunities, we try as much as possible to recover them and that is exactly what we did in the second half.”

Nigeria will be taking on Cameroon in the fourth round of African qualifiers in February 2024 as they continue their quest to secure the ticket for the Olympics expected to be held in Paris, France.