The Super Falcons have dominated all their 2024 WAFON games so far, but they have struggled to score goals
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s attack will be firing on all cylinders when they take on Zambia in the quarterfinals of their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria go into their WAFCON quarterfinal clash against Zambia as favourites on paper due to the quality of the team and their achievements.
However, some Super Falcons are not so confident in the nine-time African champions. The team dominated all their group stage games against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. But they did not score as many goals as expected.
They scored three against Tunisia in their first game. Then, in their second game against Botswana, the Super Falcons score just nice to seal the win.
In their third game against Algeria, the Super Falcons had 24 goal attempts, but none of them beat the goalkeeper.
Ahead of the game against Zambia, there are doubts about Nigeria’a chances due to their struggles in attack.
However, coach Madugu insists that he has been working on it with the team and he is hopeful that there will be an improvement.
“It’s an area that we aware that we have not done too well, and we have also been working on how to improve on that area,” Madugu told Biola Solace-Chukwu.
“The few sessions we have had, we’ve done something in that regard. But these are things that take time.
“It’s not a magical thing because everyone can’t just get perfect over a short period of time, it’s a continuous process. We hope to be better tomorrow.”
The Super Falcons have a tough fight against Zambia
Although Nigeria are favourites heading into their game against Zambia, they should be wary of the attacking threat that the Copper Queens possess.
Unlike the Super Falcons who scored four goals in the first round, Zambia scored six. They have two potent and lethal forward in Racheal Kundananji and reigning CAF Player of the Year Barbra Banda.
Zambia will be the best attacking test that the Super Falcons have met in the tournament, so they have to be at their best.
Nigeria are yet to concede in the tournament though, so they will look to keep it that way. However, the attackers should pit away their chances when they come.