Nigeria coach Justin Madugu is open to substituting Chiamaka Nnadozie from goal when the Super Falcons meet South Africa in a do-or-die World Cup playoff clash on Thursday.
Nnadozie was found wanting when she misjudged a long-range Maeva Nyadjou free-kick, which went under the goalkeeper at her near post, although she got both hands to it; Cameroon went on to beat Nigeria 1-0 in their WAFCON quarter-final match on Sunday.
Despite throwing his support behind the experienced Nnadozie, Madugu confessed that some changes may be made in view of Nigeria’s forthcoming challenge.
“Chiamaka has been a wonderful goalkeeper, not just for the national team, but also for her club,” he maintained. “But anybody can make mistakes at any time.”
He admitted: “There’s nothing bad in exploring other players.”
Nnadozie had previously drawn criticism for conceding three goals to Malawi in their opening group game, though; she had clean sheets against Zambia before being punished twice by Egypt.
The loss against Cameroon means the Super Falcons have failed to reach the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time, which also ruled them out of automatic qualification to the 2027 Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil.
Super Falcons must defeat South Africa to secure themselves a place in the intercontinental playoff stage.
The Nigerian tactician accepted responsibility for her goalkeepers’ mistakes. Madugu admitted that Nigeria’s defensive struggles are wider than Nnadozie, as the team has let in six goals in four games.
“We have to fix whatever has got us into the fix we’re in,” he added.
