We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Madugu, who is leading Nigeria in his first major tournament final, will go head-to-head with Jorge Vilda, the former Spain manager who famously guided La Roja to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. But despite his opposite number’s lofty résumé, Madugu insists he is unfazed and fully focused on executing Nigeria’s strategy.
“We know it’s not just about going out on the pitch and playing,” Madugu said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “We must prepare for every scenario. Experience has taught us many things.”
“We have our own game plan, and we’re sticking to it. Of course, we’re aware of what to expect from the Morocco coach, but we trust in our process and in our players.”
The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title and have never lost a final in the competition’s history. It’s a stat Madugu hopes will continue to stand tall after Saturday night.
“I hope the omen of never having lost a WAFCON final continues tomorrow,” he said. “But we also know every final is different. That’s why we’re fully prepared.”
Madugu emphasised belief and calmness as crucial ingredients heading into the high-stakes encounter, which is expected to be played in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
“We believe in ourselves. We believe in our players. We believe in what we’re doing. Games like this always come with pressure,” he admitted. “But when you’ve made it to the final, the desire to finish the job and lift the trophy outweighs the nerves.”
Nigeria will rely on a core of experienced players who have featured in multiple WAFCON campaigns, as well as rising stars like Esther Okoronkwo, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnandozie and Michelle Alozie, who have played pivotal roles in the team’s unbeaten run to the final.
With history, national pride, and a $1 million prize on the line, Madugu is determined to write his own chapter in the Falcons’ illustrious legacy—and keep Nigeria’s perfect WAFCON final record intact.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
