Post-match presser: What Super Falcons coach said on first half struggles, subs, Botswana, rotation

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has attributed his team’s sluggish first-half performance in Thursday’s narrow 1-0 win over Botswana to a mix of complacency and spirited opposition.

The Nigerian side struggled to break down a well-organized Botswana team in their second group match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), failing to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

Madugu responded with a triple substitution at halftime, introducing Esther Okonkwo, Christy Ucheibe, and Chinwendu Ihezuo in place of Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, and Rinsola Babajide — a move that helped shift the momentum.

Speaking after the match, Madugu acknowledged the challenging nature of the contest and praised Botswana for their resilience.

"The game was a tough one and highly competitive. The Botswana girls were very spirited and determined. It was a good game," he told reporters. 

Addressing his team’s slow start, the coach pointed to a lack of urgency among some players.

"It is a combination of both. The Botswana team, we are already aware that they lost their first game and they needed to get something out of this game. 

"So you can understand their approach, they are very committed to get something out of it.

"On our own side, I will say some of us were a bit complacent and that's why we had the kind of game that we had. For me, it is a combination of both factors," he explained.

Madugu justified his halftime substitutions by emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies mid-game.

"Like we keep emphasizing, every game has its own strategy. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not work. 

"And that's why you have to effect changes when you realize things are not working for you.

"Yes, some individually did not put up a very good performance and that accounted for the way the game went on our side."

The coach also acknowledged that players can have off days, which is why squad depth is crucial.

"And the players will not always have good days, there are times they will have bad days. 

"It is not deliberate, that's why you have many players on the bench and can always make changes."

Nigeria eventually found a breakthrough in the second half, converting one of their few chances to seal the win and secure qualification to the quarterfinals with six points from two matches.

The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to the final group game against Algeria, with qualification already secured but top spot in the group still at stake.

Madugu has revealed plans to rotate his squad for Nigeria’s final Group B clash against Algeria at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

He emphasized the need to manage player workload and maintain team sharpness ahead of the knockout stages, stating that some key players will be rested for the Algeria tie.

"It is always a work in progress. Even if we score ten goals that doesn't mean we would not make mistakes and there would not be things we would work on,” Madugu said.

"So, as we keep playing there would be individual errors that would be corrected and there would be team errors that we need to work on."

The coach stressed the importance of squad depth and giving other players a chance to prove themselves, especially with the possibility of playing up to six matches in the tournament.

"And certainly, when you have a lot of players like that you need to give others a chance.

"Certainly, we would make some changes against Algeria, that's not to say that we are presenting any team that is weak. All the players that are here are quite capable of playing matches,” he added.

Madugu also noted the strategic need for player rotation.

"Obviously, we have to manage our players very well because we are looking at playing six games. Even when we make those changes it is to rest some of them and give them a break.

"Nigeria currently sit atop Group B with six points from two games and have already secured a place in the quarterfinals.

Adeyemi Adewale

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