Nigeria’s Super Falcons interim head coach, Justin Madugu has made it clear that his team, will be fully focused and determined when they face Botswana in their second group stage match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Coach Madugu insists that there is no room for complacency especially against a Botswana side desperate to bounce back from defeat to Algeria.
“We Know What We Have Come Here to Do”
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Madugu stated that the Mares of Botswana will be eager to fight for survival, but assured Nigeria’s mission remains unchanged—to win and advance.
“We know they lost their first game and they will want to come out and ensure that they get something out of it. We too are aware that we are not resting on our horse.”
“We know what we have come here to do and we cannot achieve that without putting our all in the game.”
“So it’s a win-win for us as far as we are concerned. We know what to do and we are hoping to get the best out of it.”
Nigeria’s WAFCON Position
Nigeria currently tops Group B after Matchday 1 with three points and a healthy goal difference. A win over Botswana would guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Thursday’s fixture is especially crucial given that Botswana must win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Tactical Discipline and Mentality
Madugu has also spoke team unity and fair rotation of the Super Falcons players throughout the tournament, noting earlier this week:
“The game is a team sport, you all make each other and so we try as much as possible to ensure that we do the right thing by being fair and transparent in all that we do.”
“Everybody has an equal chance of being in the team so whoever does well continues, whoever does not do well, because we want to do better, we have the privilege of making those changes so that we get the team going.”
Match Info:
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Fixture: Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Botswana 🇧🇼 – Group B
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Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
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Date: Thursday, July 11
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Kick-off: 20:00 WAT
