Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu faced tough questions about leaving Monday Gift out of his WAFCON team. The striker has been playing great football for Washington Spirit since joining from UD Tenerife back in March. Gift scored four times and helped another player score once across nine games this season. Many people criticized Madugu for not picking the 23-year-old forward. The FC Robo Queens player deserved a spot according to her supporters.
Madugu defended his choice during a press meeting in Abuja last week. He said CAF rules only allow teams to bring a certain number of players to the tournament. The coach explained that his staff studied every position carefully before making final decisions. They looked at each player's strong points and weak areas during their analysis. Other good players also missed out on selection for the same reasons.
The coach called all these athletes national treasures during his explanation. He admitted that leaving anyone behind causes him pain as the team leader. Madugu said Gift was not the only talented player who stayed home for this competition. His team studied how flexible each player could be in different game situations. The detailed review process helped them choose the final 24-player squad.
Nigeria will play Portugal in a friendly match on Monday evening. The team faces Ghana's Black Queens in another practice game this Friday. These matches will help prepare the squad for their WAFCON campaign ahead.
Madugu defended his choice during a press meeting in Abuja last week. He said CAF rules only allow teams to bring a certain number of players to the tournament. The coach explained that his staff studied every position carefully before making final decisions. They looked at each player's strong points and weak areas during their analysis. Other good players also missed out on selection for the same reasons.
The coach called all these athletes national treasures during his explanation. He admitted that leaving anyone behind causes him pain as the team leader. Madugu said Gift was not the only talented player who stayed home for this competition. His team studied how flexible each player could be in different game situations. The detailed review process helped them choose the final 24-player squad.
Nigeria will play Portugal in a friendly match on Monday evening. The team faces Ghana's Black Queens in another practice game this Friday. These matches will help prepare the squad for their WAFCON campaign ahead.
