Pre-WAFCON Test: Super Falcons are ready to face Cameroon without reservations – Madugu

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde 

Head Coach Justine Madugu has stated that the Super Falcons will not hold back when they compete against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in two friendly matches, scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

“Our goals for these two matches are to enhance our game philosophy and tactical strategy. We aim to observe and evaluate the players in accordance with our philosophy. We are committed to improving the team’s coordination, spirit, and mentality as we prepare for the Women’s AFCON.

“While these are friendly matches, we must approach them with the right mindset, with the intention to win, and with the belief that we are already in the championship. It would be inappropriate for us to treat these games lightly and achieve results that could negatively impact the team’s psychology as we head to Morocco.”

Madugu emphasizes that the players are aware of the significance and intensity of the rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon on the pitch, and they will treat the matches with the seriousness they warrant.

“We must maintain a positive mindset and adhere to our game plan. It is crucial for us to utilize these games to highlight our readiness for the Women’s AFCON.”

The Falcons and the Lionesses are familiar opponents. In their most recent encounter, the Falcons secured a 1-0 aggregate victory in a crucial qualifying match for last year’s Olympics, thanks to Esther Okoronkwo’s impressive performance at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja during the second leg. This victory propelled the nine-time champions into the final qualifying round, where they faced South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. That match was also decided by a single goal – a penalty kick from Rasheedat Ajibade in Abuja.

This achievement marked the Falcons’ first qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in 16 years.

When Cameroon hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations nine years ago, the Falcons were present to thwart their aspirations in the final, with Desire Oparanozie netting a late goal to secure Nigeria’s eighth title.

Madugu has assembled an intriguing mix of experienced players and newcomers, featuring local talents alongside those competing internationally. Captain Ajibade, renowned goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forwards Toni Payne and Francisca Ordega represent the seasoned players from whom the younger generation can gain invaluable insights.

The Super Falcons will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B of the 13th Women’s AFCON, taking place in Morocco.

SUPER FALCONS FOR LIONESSES’ CHALLENGE:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens)

Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Emem Essien (Edo Queens)