VIDEO: Nigeria Cannot Take Cameroon for Granted, Madugu Warns Ahead of WAFCON 2026 Quarter-Final - FULL Pre Match Press Conference

Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu has warned his Super Falcons not to take Cameroon for granted as they prepare for a crucial WAFCON 2026 quarter-final, with qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a place in the semi-finals both at stake.

Madugu acknowledged Cameroon’s quality and the history between the two nations, stressing that Nigeria have “huge respect” for the Indomitable Lionesses despite their recent meetings.

“We are not taking it for granted,” Madugu said. “We have huge respect for them, but we know what we want and we know what we are going out for.”

The Super Falcons defeated Cameroon in two friendly matches earlier this year, but Madugu insisted those results would have little bearing on Sunday’s quarter-final.

According to the coach, the March friendlies were primarily preparatory matches and involved different circumstances, with players who were unavailable for those games now part of both squads at the tournament.

“We are not carried away by the result or the performance of those two games because they were more or less preparatory games leading to the WAFCON,” he said.

Madugu also pointed to Cameroon’s performance in the group stage as evidence of why Nigeria must approach the encounter with caution. The Indomitable Lionesses topped their group, and the Nigerian coach said that achievement deserves respect.

“For them to have even topped their group, looking at the teams that are playing in that group, you cannot take them for granted,” he said.

World Cup qualification adds to the stakes

The quarter-final carries consequences beyond a place in the last four.

Madugu said the players are fully aware that a World Cup ticket is at stake, before adding that progression to the semi-finals would also keep Nigeria’s defence of the WAFCON title alive.

“It’s an important match because we all know what is at stake,” Madugu said. “The ticket for the World Cup is at stake tomorrow.”

He added that the team has given the match the attention it deserves and will enter the game fully prepared.

Toni Payne echoed that confidence, saying the squad had achieved its first objective of progressing from the group stage and was now focused on taking the next step.

“We’re really confident going into this game,” Payne said. “We’re ready to continue on to that next step.”

Payne: Nobody gets tired of winning

With Nigeria chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, Payne rejected the suggestion that the Super Falcons could become tired of winning the continental championship.

“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning,” she said.

Payne acknowledged Nigeria’s achievements but insisted the desire within the squad remains as strong as ever.

“We’re just as hungry as ever,” she added, describing the opportunity to win an 11th title as something the team is looking forward to.

She also noted that remaining at the top can be as difficult as reaching it in the first place.

“It’s difficult to arrive at the top, but we can all agree that it’s equally as difficult to stay at the top,” Payne said.

Madugu: Cameroon deserve respect

The Nigerian coach was also asked about Cameroon’s biggest threat, but he refused to publicly reveal tactical details that could benefit their opponents.

Madugu said both teams have studied each other extensively and understand that the quarter-final will be a battle between two sides that know each other well.

“They have watched all our games. We have watched all their games,” he said.

“We see what everybody does. So just as you are asking me what I know as their strength, they are also trying to know what is our strength and our weakness.”

The coach also acknowledged that Nigeria have conceded goals during the tournament, but believes the team can improve defensively while continuing to rely on its attacking strength.

“We are not expecting to concede any goals,” Madugu said, while admitting that mistakes can happen.

He stressed, however, that Nigeria have continued to score and remain confident in their ability to find the net.

Injury concerns remain

Madugu revealed that Nigeria have some injury concerns ahead of the quarter-final, although the medical team was working to get the affected players into better condition.

He declined to confirm whether any particular player would be available, saying the team was still working through the final details.

“The medicals are working on that to try and get the players in a better shape,” he said.

The coach nevertheless insisted that the squad remains in high spirits and ready for the challenge.

Payne also confirmed that the players have been prepared for the occasion by the coaching staff and that the team is ready for what Cameroon will bring.

Madugu speaks on pressure facing African coaches

One of the most revealing moments of the press conference came when Madugu was asked about the pressure placed on African coaches to deliver results, particularly when expectations are high at major tournaments.

The Nigerian coach acknowledged that the pressure is enormous.

According to Madugu, coaches carry the expectations of players, backroom staff, administrators, supporters and an entire country, with the demand often reduced to a simple instruction: win.

“Everybody now, they look at the players, the coaches, the backroom staff, your management, your fans, your countrymen,” Madugu said.

“Nobody wants to lose. Anybody where you play against, they are fans or the country or club or whatever, they own say just go win. How you win? Oh, that one no concern. Just win.”

Madugu argued that African football must also place greater faith in its own coaches rather than automatically assuming that foreign coaches are better.

He said African coaches need time, investment, capacity development and institutional support to succeed.

“This is not magic. It takes time and you get deliberate plan,” he said.

“If we plan our way, give time, invest, develop capacity, I believe strongly say we get the capacity to compete against anybody.”

He also called for greater support and respect for African coaches.

“Our African coaches are doing well. We need to back them. We need to respect them. We need to also give them all the support they need and they will take us there.”

Nigeria confident but cautious

For Nigeria, the message from the pre-match press conference was clear: confidence without complacency.

The Super Falcons know the weight of history behind them, but Madugu does not want previous successes or recent results against Cameroon to distract from the task ahead.

Payne, meanwhile, insists the hunger remains.

With a World Cup place and a WAFCON semi-final at stake, Nigeria will need both qualities when they face a Cameroon side that have already shown they are capable of making life difficult for any opponent.

The quarter-final kicks off at 6:00pm WAT on Sunday, 9 August, at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.