Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his team is fully prepared for their WAFCON 2024 final showdown against host nation Morocco on Saturday in Rabat, Bold Sports reports.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Madugu acknowledged the short turnaround between the semifinal victory over South Africa and the final but emphasised the team’s commitment to make the most of their preparation time.
“As usual, we’ve been preparing well. Although the interval between the last game and the next game is very short, but then we just have to make do with the time we have. We’re doing the best to make sure that we’re fully prepared for the game tomorrow.”
Madugu admitted the pressure of a final is natural, but insisted the Falcons are motivated and determined to deliver on their long-standing objective of winning the title.
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“When you play in the final, there are always pressures because it comes with the extra desire that you really want to make it. You have worked so hard to get to where you are and then you just make some extra effort to actualise the dream of carrying the trophy. Yes, we are preparing very well in all aspects.”
“Mentally, psychologically, whatever it is that we are anticipating, we are taking care of it and we know it’s not just going to be to play football and we go. We must prepare for every scenario that can occur on the field of play. We are fully aware of that and experience has taught us so many things and we are fully prepared for that.”
Nigeria will face a familiar foe in Morocco, who eliminated the Super Falcons on penalties in the semifinal of the 2022 edition. But Madugu insists the team has its own strategy and remain focused on executing their game plan.
“We have our own game plan. We are sticking to our game plan. We also know we are playing against a good team. We know what they are expecting from the game tomorrow. We are fully prepared for it and as I said, we are sticking to our own game plan.”
“We know all the scenarios are always different. Scenarios have never been the same. It’s a new scenario and we are playing against a top team. We quite know what they can also do. We also are aware of the calibre of the coach that they also have. But like I said, we believe in ourselves. We believe in our players. We trust what we are doing and we will stick to our game plan to ensure that we win.”
With memories of the penalty shootout loss two years ago still fresh, Madugu confirmed that the team is well-prepared for a similar possibility.
“Penalties are also part of the game and every competition has rules. We are aware of the possibilities so if we are aware that there will be penalties, we definitely will prepare for it. Anything can happen, but when it comes to penalties, we are fully ready for it.”
He added that the team’s preparations have gone beyond what happens on the training pitch.
“As I said earlier, we have been preparing. Even before we got to Rabat, the preparations had been on. Because the preparation does not only start or end with what we do on the field. Even off the field, we still do a lot of preparation and that will also continue.”
Madugu praised the Moroccan team’s quality and acknowledged the challenge of playing against the host nation in front of their home crowd.
“For the Moroccan team, we are aware of the fact that they are a good side and that they play very well. That accounts for why they are also in the final. We cannot take them for granted considering the fact that they will also be motivated by being at home.”
“We are also aware that they got to the finals in the last edition and didn’t win, they don’t want to repeat that again. So we are fully aware of the different scenarios in regard to the Moroccan team. And like I said, we are fully ready and we have our own strategies that will continue.”
The Falcons’ WAFCON campaign has been driven by the team’s internal motto, “Mission X”, a reference to securing their 10th continental title. Madugu says the mission is still alive and well within the squad.
“It is something that all of us are committed to. We’re all determined to do it. We’re all committed to it and by God’s grace, we are praying and doing our best to make sure that it is made a reality.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, the coach expressed pride in the opportunity to bring joy to Nigerians.
“For me personally, anybody in my position would be happy that you have done something for your country. You have made a lot of people happy. It’s not anything extraordinary, but the simple fact that you have contributed something and you have made a lot of people happy, I think that is enough for one to be grateful.”
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