Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has hinted that Toni Payne could replace suspended midfielder Jennifer Echegini for Nigeria's crucial Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) knockout clash against Egypt, while also defending his decision to include experienced forward Francisca Ordega in the squad despite her limited playing time.
Nigeria will be without two key players for the encounter, with Echegini suspended after accumulating two yellow cards during the group stage, while defender Oluwatosin Demehin is also unavailable following her red card against Zambia.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Madugu explained that player selection is based on tactical considerations and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition rather than sentiment.
“Sometimes selection of players is dependent on what you see or analyze the opposition,” Madugu told reporters.
“When you come up with your own strategy, who will be able to do this? This is what we have seen of opposition, there are their strengths and weaknesses.”
“Who are the key players in that team, what are their strengths and weaknesses? How do we address and handle them?”
“You look at your own team, who can do this when you come up with a solution? Who will do this better?”
“These are some of the things that come into consideration before you select or pick players for every game.”
The Super Falcons coach also suggested that Payne is in contention to step into midfield following Echegini's suspension.
“All the players in the team are good enough, they all have different qualities and have their strengths and weaknesses,” he added.
“She is good to go, she has an opportunity and hopefully she will also be part of the team, considering the fact that we have players that would not be in the team tomorrow.”
Madugu also responded to questions surrounding the inclusion of veteran forward Francisca Ordega, who is yet to feature in the tournament.
The coach insisted that Ordega's value to the squad extends beyond what supporters see on the pitch, highlighting her experience, leadership and influence within the dressing room.
“There are so many ingredients that make a team succeed. Even on the pitch of play, there are things you acquire in the games you play that you can also transfer to others,” Madugu said.
“If we still feel Ordega is not doing too well, we will not have brought her to this competition.
“We know the role most of them play, especially the ones we always refer to as the old ones in the team.
“If she was not doing well, she would not be here because there are other players from their own level that are not also here.
“Like I said, There are so many things that happen in a team that make it succeed, team bonding, harmony, guidance, leadership and a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration.”
Madugu also dismissed suggestions that sentiment influenced his squad selection, stressing that every decision was made in the best interest of the team.
“There are no sentiments attached to it. We are the principal beneficiaries when a team does well.
“So, there are no reasons why we begin to do things that we know will not help us in any way.”
Nigeria will face Egypt in their final Group C fixture, knowing that only a victory will boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage while keeping alive their hopes of defending the WAFCON title and securing qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Adeyemi Adewale
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