Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu. Photo by IMAGO

Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has issued a rallying cry ahead of Nigeria’s highly anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal against South Africa.

Madugu, who won the WAFCON in 2018 as an assistant coach, insists the Falcons are ready to end Banyana Banyana’s seven-year unbeaten record in regulation time.

Speaking to reporters in Casablanca on the eve of Tuesday’s clash, Madugu expressed unwavering belief in his team’s readiness and drive to restore Nigeria’s dominance on the continent.

South Africa have not lost a WAFCON match in regulation time since 2018 — a streak spanning 14 games. They arrive in the semifinals as defending champions with two wins and two draws so far in the tournament.

However, Madugu is convinced that the Falcons can put an end to that record.

“The preparations are good, the girls have been very committed, determined, they are in good shape, they are well prepared,” Madugu said.

“Yes, South Africa have not lost a game within regulation time since 2018. But records are meant to be broken. No matter how long it takes, one day it will be broken. And we are hoping that by tomorrow, by the grace of God, that record will no longer exist.”

Tuesday’s showdown at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium will be Nigeria’s fifth straight game at the same venue — a familiar setting where the Falcons have won three and drawn one without conceding.

“It’s a good thing that we are familiar with the environment and it places us at an advantage position… But then, when it comes to football games these days, home advantage does not really count,” Madugu warned.

Despite edging South Africa in the Olympic qualifiers early last year, Madugu dismissed any suggestion that Nigeria have a mental edge going into this clash.

“It does not mean that it is an automatic thing for us. We must work hard for the victory that we desire. Every game is different.

“They will be favourites as defending champions. They took the crown from us, we want to do the same.”

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Madugu was quick to praise South Africa’s credentials while warning against judging them based solely on past performances.

“They have a very good team… Football games can be very deceiving sometimes. You don’t judge teams based on what you see… Every game comes with a change.”

With new stars like Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Chinwendu Ihezuo impressing and starting ahead of veterans like Asisat Oshoala, Madugu reiterated his commitment to collective effort over stardom.

“We don’t build a team around an individual… In case that individual does not come to the party on the game day, then what happens?

“Let’s play together as a team. So that even when one is out, whoever comes in fits in and the game continues.”

The fixture adds another chapter to a fierce continental rivalry between the two powerhouses.

“There are countries that when you play against in competitions across Africa, we know ourselves. We know how they’ll also approach the game… So, we will settle it on the field tomorrow.”

Nigeria’s dominance at WAFCON is unmatched — 11 titles and only one semifinal loss to South Africa in four meetings. That track record, Madugu hopes, will fuel another push for glory.

“I pray that trend continues. So, if the trend continues, automatically it means we are winning back the trophy this time around.

“This six is with Ws and you know what the Ws mean. So, we are doing our best.”

With the trophy in sight, Madugu admitted the intensity is high — but so is their focus.

“With every game there will always be pressure… But we are managing ourselves well… We want to remain focused. The girls are fully focused and we all know what is at stake.”

The match between the Super Falcons and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will kickoff by 6pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, July 22.