WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons coach makes disastrous admission ahead of Zambia blockbuster

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Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has addressed the media ahead of Friday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) showdown with Zambia.

The nine-time African champions will face a stern examination of their title mettle against Shepolopolo, who have scored the second-most goals so far in the competition and boast a fearsome strike force. The duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have accounted for six goals between them.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons topped Group B at the ongoing WAFCON, claiming seven points from three matches, and are yet to concede so far in the competition. They also had two players named in the CAF Group Stage XI.

WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons coach makes disastrous admission ahead of Zambia blockbuster

Madugu casts Super Falcons as WAFCON underdogs

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Madugu responded to the concern of the Nigerian media over the attacking prowess of Zambia. The 61-year-old asked Super Falcons fans to expect a shootout, but spoke of his side as the underdog going into Friday’s encounter.

“It is only natural that, uh, people may be frightened at certain moments,” he said. “We cannot take away the fact that yes, they're a good team, but they're not unbeatable. They're a good side, but they're not unbeatable. Anything can happen in the game of football.

“For us, we are preparing against Zambia. We know the players, we know their strengths. We are also having our own plan of how to deal with that. The girls are in high spirits. They are fully ready for them.

“So it's going to be more of an open game and then, uh, they do their bit, we also do our bit. For us, calm down.”

The most recent meeting between the two nations happened at the 2022 WAFCON edition, with Zambia running away 1-0 winners over the Super Falcons in the Third-Place play-off. Regardless, it was a stunning admission by Madugu, especially considering Nigeria's peerless pedigree in the competition.

<!-- Author Start -->Solace Chukwu<!-- Author End -->

Solace Chukwu

Editor Site Coordinator

Solace Chukwu is one of Africa's foremost football columnists, with over a decade of experience working with various media outlets including Goal, Guardian UK, Pulse Sports and NewFrame News. While football is his first love, he also follows and comments on boxing and tennis.