WAFCON final: Super Falcons coach, Madugu gives reason for dropping ex-Liverpool forward Babajide

Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, has given reasons for dropping former Liverpool attacker, Rinsola Babajide, to the bench.

The coach defended his team selection ahead of the Super Falcons’ final clash with Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Babajide, who impressed in her first outing, scoring one and providing an assist in Nigeria’s 3-0 win against Tunisia, has seen limited action since the group stage.

Her last game in the tournament was a brief cameo of just 13 minutes against Algeria.

However, addressing the press ahead of Saturday’s final, the coach explained his decision, insisting it should not be about a particular player.

“It’s a team thing, not about an individual; it’s about the team,” he said.

“The fact that she has not been on the field of play does not mean she has not been playing well.

“She has been instrumental in motivating the players, trying to get them to understand what is at stake.

“She has been fully supportive of everything that we do, and we are making our choices based on what we see and intend to do. She could have a role to play tomorrow.”

Madugu has preferred to use Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo upfront.