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Ernest Victor
Guest
Super Falcons of Nigeria interim coach, Justin Madugu is anticipating a standout performance from his predominantly home-based squad as they prepare to face Algeria in the first leg of their international friendly match.
This upcoming fixture which will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne at 4 p.m. later today, is particularly significant as it represents Nigeria’s return to Grade A friendlies on home soil for the first time since the notable 2021 Aisha Buhari Women’s Tournament.
Following the team’s disappointing performance at the Olympic Games, where they suffered defeats in all three group matches against Brazil, Spain, and Japan, Madugu—who took over from Randy Waldrum after the American coach resigned in September—has his sights set on revitalizing the team’s morale and restoring their competitive edge.
“We have been engaged in productive training sessions since we resumed on Monday,” Madugu stated. “I have been truly impressed with the players’ discipline and their commitment to the team’s objectives.”
The coach emphasized the importance of showing respect to their opponents, noting, “We respect the Algerians just as we respect every team we come across, but we recognize that we must rebound from the subpar results we experienced at the Olympics. Our focus must be on rebuilding our confidence and rekindling that positive spirit within the squad.”
Madugu plans to utilize a 4-4-2 formation for the match, which will incorporate five players from the domestic league alongside key foreign professionals. Notable inclusions are team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and defenders Chidinma Okeke and Oluwatosin Demehin.
Additionally, overseas players such as midfielder Esther Onyenezide, who plays for Hapoel Katamon, and striker Gift Monday, representing UDG Tenerife, will also feature in the squad.
On match day, both teams will make their way to Ikenne on Saturday morning, escorted by security personnel for the evening clash, and will return to Lagos shortly after to prepare for the second leg on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
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