As Nigeria prepares for a decisive quarterfinal clash against Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has pledged to address the team’s growing concerns in front of goal.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances during the group stage, Nigeria failed to translate their superiority into goals—a shortcoming that culminated in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Algeria in their final group match.
The result, which saw the Super Falcons register 24 shots without scoring, exposed what has become the team’s most pressing weakness: a lack of clinical finishing.
“It’s the same players that were scoring before now, and they’re still the ones playing,” Madugu said after the goalless draw. “So why they’re not getting the goals is something we have to look at and work on.”
The struggles up front were also evident in Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win over Botswana, secured only by a dramatic 89th-minute goal. These underwhelming performances have sparked concern among fans and officials alike as the competition enters its knockout phase.
With just three days to regroup before facing a resurgent Zambian side in Casablanca, Madugu revealed that a tactical reset is already in motion.
“We have little time to work on it, but it is an area that is becoming a
source of concern and worry for us,” he told Nigerian journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu.
While the Super Falcons have historically been among the continent’s most dominant sides, WAFCON 2024 has posed unexpected challenges in attack. Madugu remains hopeful that his side can rediscover their scoring rhythm in time for the must-win encounter.
Nigeria will take on Zambia at the Stade Larbi Zouli in Casablanca, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. WAT. A win would send the Falcons into the semifinals, but anything less could see their title hopes cut short.
