File: Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu says Nigeria are determined to make the most of their second chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they begin their play-off campaign against South Africa on Thursday.

The Falcons lost their automatic qualification opportunity after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, but Madugu insists the setback has strengthened their resolve to secure a place at the World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria, who were seeking to defend their WAFCON title, must now navigate the play-offs to reach the tournament in Brazil, with South Africa standing between them and another step towards qualification.

Having not missed out on any FIFA Women’s World Cup since inception, Madugu acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on automatic qualification but said the players were ready to respond when they face the Banyana Banyana.

“We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu said after Sunday’s game.

“We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs.

“I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. We know what it means for all of us and the country. I apologise and take responsibility for that.”

The coach was referring to the Super Eagles’ failure to convert their own second chance into World Cup qualification after they missed out on direct qualification from their group.

The Eagles advanced to the CAF play-off tournament in Morocco as one of the four best runners-up but lost to DR Congo in the final, ending their hopes of reaching the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament.

Madugu does not want the Falcons to suffer a similar fate and believes they have the quality and determination to overcome the additional hurdle.

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