The Super Falcons easily defeated the Copper Queens in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi capping off the decisive win.
Before the match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, many anticipated that the Southern Africans would provide a serious challenge to the nine-time African champions, but that was not the case.
The accolades continue to flow for the Nigerian women, yet coach Madugu insists his players will remain humble, treating each match as it comes while they strive for a record-extending tenth African title.
"We are quite pleased to have overcome this obstacle. Our performance was strong, the girls played well, and we secured the win," he told the media.
"Naturally, when you win matches in the fashion we did today, happiness is expected. So, we are very pleased and excited about this, but we are not letting it distract us because we still have a lot of work ahead.
"The scoreline might seem flattering, but we came for a victory and knew the players were capable of achieving that.
"The players were highly motivated to ensure that the mission we are striving for remains achievable.
"The atmosphere in the camp before the game was very positive. The mood was uplifting. You had to be around the girls to see how determined they were to clear this hurdle."
Madugu also rejected suggestions that his team approached the match with revenge on their minds. In the 2022 edition, the Copper Queens had denied Nigeria a bronze medal with a 1-0 win.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie scored an own goal in the third-place match at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
"For us, we didn't view it as a revenge mission," he continued.
"Instead, it was a match we needed to win to progress to the next round of the competition.
"Yes, it felt somewhat like revenge since we lost to them in the last edition during the third-place match. And (now) we have managed to get one over them, which is quite satisfying."
Although Nigeria topped their group, they faced significant criticism for not scoring more goals. Finding the net five times in the quarter-final was a notable statement, and the coach explained what the team did right this time.
"As I mentioned in previous press conferences, the strategy employed by the opposition also influences our approach," he added.
"In the earlier games during the group stage, the opposition chose to defend heavily and play a low block, which made it challenging for us to play the style of football that was expected.
"The girls did their utmost and still created opportunities, but converting those chances was an issue. We kept stressing that we are still a work in progress.
"We're continuously identifying areas for improvement, especially in set-piece situations. We have been working on these aspects and finishing in front of goal. And (against Zambia), we are seeing the results."
Nigeria will meet the winner of the match between Senegal and the defending African champions South Africa for a place in the final, which is set for July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
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