Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has acknowledged concerns over his side’s defensive performances and pledged to address the issue ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cameroon.
Although the defending champions have emerged as the competition’s highest-scoring team with nine goals, Nigeria have also conceded five times in their three group-stage matches, a record the coach believes must improve as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
The defensive record contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s previous title-winning campaign in Morocco, when the team conceded only three goals in six matches.
Speaking to reporters, Madugu said the goals his side had allowed were avoidable and stressed the need for greater concentration at the back.
He maintained that Nigeria are traditionally a defensively strong team but admitted recent lapses had become a cause for concern.
The Super Falcons will face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in the quarter-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time.
