WAFCON 2026: Madugu Confident Super Falcons Can Secure Quarterfinal Spot Against Egypt
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his team has worked through every possible qualification scenario ahead of their decisive 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash against Egypt.
Nigeria must defeat Egypt to boost their chances of reaching the quarterfinals after a mixed start to the tournament. The Falcons suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening match before bouncing back with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing much of the game with 10 players.
With Malawi leading the group on six points, Zambia and Nigeria tied on three points each, and Egypt yet to register a point, all four teams remain mathematically capable of advancing.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Madugu said his players fully understand what is required to qualify.
"We have done all the various permutations on what can get us through, and we know which of the permutations can take us through," Madugu said.
"We want to have our fate in our hands and not leave it for anybody to decide for us, so we are going straight for what we know would put us through."
The coach expressed confidence in his squad's readiness for the high-stakes fixture.
"We are good to go. The team is in high spirit, we are getting ready for the next game and we all know what is at stake. We are doing our best to ensure that we get the right result that will take us to the next stage of the competition."
Madugu also defended the inclusion of experienced forward Francisca Ordega, who has yet to feature in the tournament.
According to him, every player contributes to the team's success, whether or not they get minutes on the pitch.
"There are so many ingredients that make a team succeed. If we felt Ordega was not doing well, we wouldn't have brought her to this competition. Not every player is expected to play every minute."
He added that team selections are based on what is best for the squad rather than sentiment.
"We are the principal beneficiaries when the team does well, so we wouldn't do things that will not help us. Our goal is to win and make Nigerians happy."
A victory over Egypt would significantly improve Nigeria's chances of progressing to the knockout stage as the nine-time African champions seek another continental title.
Nigeria must defeat Egypt to boost their chances of reaching the quarterfinals after a mixed start to the tournament. The Falcons suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening match before bouncing back with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing much of the game with 10 players.
With Malawi leading the group on six points, Zambia and Nigeria tied on three points each, and Egypt yet to register a point, all four teams remain mathematically capable of advancing.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Madugu said his players fully understand what is required to qualify.
"We have done all the various permutations on what can get us through, and we know which of the permutations can take us through," Madugu said.
"We want to have our fate in our hands and not leave it for anybody to decide for us, so we are going straight for what we know would put us through."
The coach expressed confidence in his squad's readiness for the high-stakes fixture.
"We are good to go. The team is in high spirit, we are getting ready for the next game and we all know what is at stake. We are doing our best to ensure that we get the right result that will take us to the next stage of the competition."
Madugu also defended the inclusion of experienced forward Francisca Ordega, who has yet to feature in the tournament.
According to him, every player contributes to the team's success, whether or not they get minutes on the pitch.
"There are so many ingredients that make a team succeed. If we felt Ordega was not doing well, we wouldn't have brought her to this competition. Not every player is expected to play every minute."
He added that team selections are based on what is best for the squad rather than sentiment.
"We are the principal beneficiaries when the team does well, so we wouldn't do things that will not help us. Our goal is to win and make Nigerians happy."
A victory over Egypt would significantly improve Nigeria's chances of progressing to the knockout stage as the nine-time African champions seek another continental title.
