Head Coach Justine Madugu assured on Thursday that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are mentally, psychologically and tactically ready to confront Zambia’s Copper Queens in Friday’s potentially-explosive Women Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final encounter in Casablanca.
Nine-time champions Nigeria and emerging power Zambia clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium from 5pm Morocco time (same as in Nigeria) in a match that promises a lot of firecrackers, and could have extensive ramifications for the architecture of authority of African women football.
“We are working on our strategies offensively and defensively, having watched Zambia play and having taken note of their strengths and weaknesses individually and collectively. We know the key players of Zambia that are being mentioned and the threats they can pose if they are given opportunities, so we have spoken to the players that they must be fully-ready.
“There will be no room for errors. We must be alert at all times and have self-belief and confidence, and be motivated to achieve victory as we get close to the accomplishment of Mission X. “
Victory in Friday’s will steer the Super Falcons closer to a 10th continental title since the Women Africa Cup of Nations was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998, and re-establish the Nigerian girls as the team to beat anytime women national team football is mentioned on the continent.
The winner of the match between Nigeria and Zambia will progress to the semifinals to confront the winner of the encounter between Cup holders South Africa and Senegal. On the other side of the draw are the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco (who are also ambitious, dedicated, well-organized and fearless) and the never-to-be-underrated Lady Fennecs of Algeria.