WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Ready And Focused – Madugu

WAFCON 2026: We Are Ready And Focused – Madugu

Sampson Adedeji

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has insisted that his team remains fully focused on their crucial 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B clash against Zambia despite criticism following Nigeria's opening defeat to Malawi, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The defending champions suffered a shock loss in their first match of the tournament, a result that has put pressure on the team ahead of Saturday's must-win encounter against Zambia.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Madugu dismissed suggestions that the defeat had exposed shortcomings in his tactical approach, insisting that one result does not define his work with the Super Falcons.

"They are questioning my technical and tactical ability because we lost a game. But was the Malawi game the first I have handled with the Super Falcons?" Madugu said.

"It was not the first game. I have handled several other matches that we won, and nobody questioned me then."

The coach maintained that the technical crew remains confident in its methods and is fully focused on getting the team back on track.

"The fact is that we know what we are doing. We are focused and looking ahead.

 " Like I said, the last game we played was not the only game we have played at the WAFCON. We played in the tournament in 2024, and we won.

 "Because we lost one game, people are questioning the tactics. It is within their rights to do so. I don't have any problem with that."

Nigeria will take on Zambia on Saturday knowing that a positive result is vital to revive their hopes of successfully defending the WAFCON title.