Mission X: Super Falcons to Use Algeria Clash as Warm-Up for Quarter-Final Showdown

Posted : 12 July 2025

Nine-time African champions Nigeria will treat Sunday’s final Group B match against Algeria as crucial preparation for their upcoming quarter-final encounter against either hosts Morocco or the ambitious Zambian side. While the tie is a dead rubber, with both teams already having their quarter-final fates mostly shaped, the Super Falcons are intent on using the game to sharpen tactics and maintain momentum.

Morocco and Zambia, Nigeria’s potential quarter-final opponents, were responsible for painful defeats at the previous edition of the tournament—also hosted by Morocco. The hosts knocked out Nigeria in the semi-finals on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Zambia edged the Falcons 1-0 in the third-place match.

Head Coach Justine Madugu, who was part of the technical crew during that campaign, knows what’s at stake. “We are focused on taking one game at a time. Our approach will be based on what gives us the best chance of winning. We respect every team, but we fear none,” he said.

Algeria, who opened with a 1-0 win over Botswana and later drew with Tunisia, sit on four points—two behind group leaders Nigeria. They are still in the running for a quarter-final spot, possibly against one of the top teams from Group C, which includes South Africa, Mali, Tanzania, and Ghana.

Sunday’s fixture at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca also rekindles memories of the two friendlies between the teams last year in Nigeria. The Falcons dominated those games with 2-0 and 3-1 victories. Rasheedat Ajibade netted both goals in Ikenne with long-range strikes, while Folashade Ijamilusi shone in Lagos with a brace.

However, the Falcons will be without influential playmaker Deborah Abiodun, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards in the first two matches. Likely replacements include the dynamic Esther Okoronkwo—already with two assists and a Woman of the Match award—or France-based Jennifer Echegini, known for her calm and steady influence in midfield.

Coach Madugu may also choose to shake up his lineup and tactics by assigning Toni Payne to the central playmaking role, moving Ajibade to the flanks, and introducing Francesca Ordega and Rinsola Babajide into attacking roles.

A win against Algeria would not only reinforce Nigeria’s dominance over the North Africans but also preserve their unbeaten record in 2025 and ensure they approach the quarter-final stage with full confidence and rhythm.

Mission X: Super Falcons to Use Algeria Clash as Warm-Up for Quarter-Final Showdown

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