Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has vowed to address his side’s defensive shortcomings at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The defending champions have been impressive going forward, scoring a tournament-high nine goals in their three group-stage matches.
However, Nigeria have struggled defensively, conceding five goals during the group stage.
That represents an unusual defensive record for the Super Falcons, who conceded just three goals in six matches on their way to winning the title at the previous edition of the competition, also hosted by Morocco.
Madugu To Address Super Falcons’ Defensive Problems
Madugu admitted that his side have conceded avoidable goals and described the situation as a major concern that must be addressed as the tournament progresses.
“We are a team very solid defensively, but of recent we have been conceding very, very unnecessary goals, which is very worrisome,” Madugu said during his interaction with the media.
“The manner we are conceding these goals calls for serious concerns. We have to do a bit of work to address this.”
The Super Falcons will take on the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in a quarter-final clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.
By Adeboye Amosu
1 Comment
Justine Madugu: Super Falcons to Fashion a Framework that Addresses Worrisome Defensive Backline
Highly unpopular, highly criticized, highly derided Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu is concerned about worrying signals of his defensive backline, a backline that embarrassingly conceded 3 goals against Wafcon debutants, carelessly earned a red card that put Nigeria on the back foot in the second match before giving away a needless penalty and then concede 2 goals against the runt of the litter in the final group match.
As the the Super Falcons prepare for the boom or burst crunch quarter-final encounter against perennial foes Cameroon, the need to address niggling defensive foibles has taken on renewed and real urgency.
Despite qualifying for the quarter finals by the skin of their teeth, Nigeria leaked five goals along the way, making a case for their defensive record indefensible.
Beleaguered Coach Madugu acknowledged as much.
“We have been a team that has been very solid defensively, but of recent we are conceding very unnecessary goals, which is something that is a bit worrisome,” Madugu said.
“The manner in which we are conceding those goals calls for serious concern. It is something we must address, and we need to ensure the players remain focused throughout the entire game.”
That said, the team’s defence also showed resilience in how it adjusted to keep Zambia from scoring a single goal and how players like Nnadozie, Ohale, Alozie, Ucheibe and Oladipo improved game-by-game with some like Ucheibe showing admirable versatility and resilience.
But more needs to be done, if rampaging Cameroon strikers are to be curtailed.
“We know what is at stake (against Cameroon); we will be ready for the challenge,” Madugu mentioned motivationally and mindfully.
Nigeria will face Cameroon at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and an automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the ballot.
The battle will be intense, the victory will be absolute.