Madugu Confident Super Falcons Will Bounce Back Against South Africa

Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will make the most of their second chance to secure a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday in a crucial WAFCON play-off in Casablanca, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2027 World Cup.

Nigeria were denied automatic qualification after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Madugu admitted that the result was disappointing but insisted that the team remains determined to fight for a World Cup ticket.

“We still have a second chance, and we will make use of it. We will give it our all to ensure that we do not disappoint Nigerians,” Madugu said.

The coach had earlier apologised to Nigerians and accepted responsibility for the defeat to Cameroon, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the team’s early exit from the tournament.

However, the Super Falcons now have an opportunity to redeem themselves against familiar rivals South Africa.

The winner of the encounter will continue on the road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the loser will see their qualification hopes come to an end.

Madugu and his players will therefore be under pressure to produce a strong performance and secure victory against Banyana Banyana.