Justin Madugu: Some of us were complacent — Super Falcons coach gives honest assessment of Nigeria vs Botswana

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu cited complacency and underwhelming performances from some players for the scrappy showing against Botswana. 

Nigeria beat the South African nation 1-0 thanks to a late Chiwendu Ihezuo strike, which ensured they booked qualification for the knockout stages. Despite the win, the Falcons left a lot to be desired, but Madugu chalks it up to the team being a work in progress. 

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During the post-match interview, Madugu admitted that the match was difficult, even suggesting that his tactics failed. 

“It was a tough and highly competitive game,” he said, per Ademola Victor. “The Botswana girls were very spirited and determined. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“Every game has its own strategy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s why we make changes when things aren’t working. Not every player will have a good day, but we got better in the second half and converted one of our chances.”

Asked whether the underwhelming performance was due to their own failings or Botswana's quality, the 61-year-old coach said it was a combination of both. 

“It was a combination of both. Botswana knew they had lost their first game, so they came all out. On our side, some of us were a bit complacent and took things for granted. That’s why the game played out the way it did.”

The Super Falcons came into the game with a convincing 3-0 win against the Les Aigles of Tunisia in their group opener, and the win confirms their place in the next round. As for Botswana, they suffered a 1-0 loss to the Les Verts of Algeria to start the tournament. With a second defeat, they have not reached the end of the road.