Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has admitted that his team’s performance in their 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday was below expectations.
Nigeria secured a narrow win thanks to an 89th-minute goal from substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, a result that confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they chase a record-extending 10th title.
Despite the win, fans, pundits, and even the players themselves agreed that the overall performance fell short, with many acknowledging that they could have done much better.
Madugu echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that the team was not at its best but credited Botswana’s spirited and determined approach as a major factor.
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“The game was tough and highly competitive. The Botswana girls were very spirited and determined, but overall it was a good game,” Madugu said during the post-match press conference.
“It was a combination of both factors — playing against a tough, motivated team and our players not performing at their best. Botswana had lost their first game and needed a result to stay in the competition, so we understood their approach and commitment.
“On our part, I would say some of us were a bit complacent and took the game for granted, which contributed to the performance we saw. So for me, it was a mix of both elements.”
Madugu, however, backed his players to improve as the tournament progresses and reaffirmed their goal of winning the championship.
“Every game has its own strategy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and that’s why you have to make changes when things aren’t going as planned.
“As players, you don’t always have good days. Sometimes you’ll have an off day — it’s not deliberate, which is why we have options on the bench to make adjustments.
“Some players didn’t put in their best performances today, and that affected the game. We weren’t happy with it, but it improved in the second half. We created chances and eventually took the one that came our way,” he added.
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