SUPER Falcons head coach Justine Madugu believes his players are as determined as ever to succeed in their mission to win a 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
The nine-time champions defeated Ghana’s Black Queens 3-1 in a pre-WAFCON friendly in Casablanca yesterday, six days to the kick-off of the tournament.
Despite the victory over their bitter rivals, Madugu insisted the Super Falcons must continue to improve in several areas, as they retain their hunger for the trophy, which they last won in 2018.
Goals by Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala and captain Rasheedat Ajibade sealed the Super Falcons’ win in the behind-closed-door game played at the Ziaida Palace Benslimane field.
“The match gave us the opportunity of having the full squad together to really assess our strength as a team, and build on team cohesion, coordination and on various combinations,” Madugu said today.
“It will always be a work in progress, but we are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X.
“The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”
The victory over Ghana’s Black Queens extended Madugu’s positive record with the Super Falcons.
He was in charge when the Super Falcons eased past Ethiopia in the qualifying race for the 2024 Olympics, and also led the team to crush Cape Verde to secure qualification for the 13th WAFCON, which kicks off on Saturday.
Last year, Madugu led the Super Falcons to thrash Algeria in two friendly matches in Ikenne and Lagos, while they narrowly lost 1-0 to France in another friendly match in France in November.
This year, Madugu has led the Super Falcons to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a friendly match in Cameroon, and a 0-0 draw against Portugal in Lisbon last Monday.
“We will continue to work on our weak areas, and I believe that by the time of our first match, we will be ready,” Madugu added.
The WAFCON this year is scheduled for July 5 to July 26 across five Morrocan cities.