Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has urged his team to strengthen their defence after escaping the group stage hurdle at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Madugu said this as the Falcons prepare to face Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Nigeria booked their last-eight place with a 6-2 win over Egypt in their final Group B fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

“Everyone is happy to have reached this stage. We put ourselves under pressure, but thankfully we have overcome it. The competition is only just beginning for us,” Madugu said.

“We have always been known for our strong defence, but recently we have been conceding unnecessary goals. We must correct that and ensure the players remain focused throughout every match.”

Speaking of the tie with Cameroon, Madugu referred to the tie as a test for the Falcons

“It is like a final because it will determine whether we achieve our first objective. We will study Cameroon carefully and prepare the right strategy to win.”

He also defended his selection choices, insisting they are guided purely by tactical assessment.

“Selection depends on our assessment of the opposition and our own players. We always choose those best suited to execute our game plan.”

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade struck a similarly upbeat but united tone in the aftermath of the Egypt win, crediting the squad’s collective spirit for the group-stage escape. Reacting on her official X account, she wrote: “What a fight. We made it out of the group stage.”

She added that the result reflected the effort of everyone around the team, not just those on the pitch.

“This win was about all of us—every player who stepped on that pitch, everyone in the squad pushing us on, our crew, technical team, staff and every fan back home believing in us,” she said.

“That’s what collective effort looks like. We fight for each other. Quarter-finals, here we come.”

ASA