Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu says his players are more than ready for the challenge as Nigeria’s WAFCON 2026 campaign has reached another defining moment.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s decisive Group C clash against Egypt, Madugu struck a confident tone, revealing that the atmosphere inside the Super Falcons camp is filled with belief as the defending champions prepare for one of their most important matches of the tournament.
With a place in the knockout rounds on the line, the coach insists his team fully understands the magnitude of the occasion.
‘The Team Is In High Spirits’ – Madugu
Despite the emotional rollercoaster of the opening two matches, Madugu says confidence has returned to the Nigerian camp.
The dramatic 1-0 victory over Zambia, secured despite playing with 10 players for much of the encounter, has injected fresh belief into the squad ahead of their meeting with Egypt.
The coach revealed that preparations have gone according to plan and that the players are fully focused on completing the job.
“We are good to go, the team is in high spirits and we are getting ready for the next game.”
“We all know what is at stake and we are doing our best to ensure that we get the right result that will really take us to the next stage of the competition.”
A Place In The Knockout Stage Beckons
The Super Falcons entered the competition as defending champions and favourites to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
However, the unexpected defeat to tournament debutants Malawi left their title defence hanging in the balance.
That pressure eased considerably following the hard-fought victory over Zambia, with Asisat Oshoala’s early goal proving enough to secure three priceless points despite Oluwatosin Demehin’s first-half dismissal.
Now, another positive result against Egypt would send Nigeria into the quarter-finals and keep alive their pursuit of a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Although Egypt are still searching for consistency in the competition, having lost their first two games, Madugu knows there can be no underestimating any opponent at this stage of the tournament.
The coach has repeatedly emphasised discipline, concentration and collective effort throughout Nigeria’s campaign, qualities that were on full display during the resilient victory over Zambia.
Those same characteristics will be required again as the Super Falcons attempt to finish the group stage on a winning note.
The Mission Remains The Same
For Madugu and his players, the objective has never changed.
From the moment they arrived in Morocco, the goal has been to retain Nigeria’s continental crown.
The road has already featured unexpected setbacks, moments of adversity and an inspiring comeback.
Now, with qualification for the quarter-finals within touching distance, the Super Falcons have another opportunity to prove why they remain Africa’s benchmark in women’s football.
