In the pre-match press conference ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 African Women’s Nations Cup qualifier against The Tubarões Azuis of Cape Verde, Caretaker Coach Justin Madugu provided insights into player selection and addressed expectations for the upcoming match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Starting XI Secrecy:
Coach Madugu, when asked about the potential starting lineup, emphasized the importance of keeping the starting XI under wraps until match day. He stated, “When all the players are in good shape, then I will let you know who will start the match. It would not be proper for me to tell you that a specific player is starting, only for you to find another player on the field tomorrow. I want to avoid any confusion and questions, so for now, I can assure you that all the players are good to go.”
Maintaining Post-World Cup Performance:
In response to queries about fans expecting the Super Falcons to replicate their outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Coach Madugu acknowledged the challenges of player availability. He explained, “Since after the World Cup, we’ve not been able to get even half of the players that played at the World Cup due to various reasons. Blending a team is not an overnight process; it takes time for the players to understand each other and play collectively as a team.”
Coping Without Key Players:
Addressing the absence of key players, Coach Madugu expressed optimism about the available squad. He stated, “The key players may not be here, but the ones present are putting in their best. The absence of others doesn’t mean we lower the standards. The standard has been set, and we must try to sustain and even exceed it. Opportunities like this allow other players to showcase themselves, fostering healthy competition that brings out the best in everyone.”
While acknowledging the challenges, Coach Madugu emphasized the importance of working with the available resources and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a commendable performance in the upcoming match.
As Super Falcons’ supporters await the final lineup, expectations are high for an exciting and competitive encounter against The Tubarões Azuis of Cape Verde.
