SUPER Falcons of Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu and Zambia boss Nora Hauptle have been boasting as they prepare to clash in the quarter-finalists of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco this evening.
While the Super Falcons had defeated Zambia 6-0 and 4-0 in previous editions of the competition, the Copper Queens beat the nine-time champions 1-0 in their last encounter, the third-place match of the 2022 WAFCON, also in Morocco.
Zambia are going into this fixture in good form, having scored six goals in the group stages and finished second behind hosts Morocco only on goal difference (they both had seven points).
Madugu is not fazed by the prolific Zambians though.
“We have our strategies; we have watched them several times and we know what they can do,” the Super Falcons boss said.
“We’ll work on how to neutralize their strengths, so we’re not too bothered by the individual players.
“We know how good they are, but we’re not bothered. We are getting ready for each game, and we’ll have an antidote on the matchday.”
Most teams would be wary of the Super Falcons given their pedigree and the fact that they did not concede any goal in the group stages in Casablanca.
However, Hauptle is undaunted, expressing confidence in the Copper Queens.
“We are in a comfortable position with five rest days now. It’s a chance to recover, refresh and observe closely,” said the former Swiss women’s international, who has previously coached Israel and Ghana.
“We will be ready for Nigeria. If you want to reach the final and win this tournament, you need to beat everyone.”
The Super Falcons will welcome back midfield enforcer Deborah Abiodun, who was suspended for the clash with Algeria on Sunday, after receiving two yellow cards in the first two matches.
Today’s quarter-final clash will kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.