International friendlies: Algerian delegation arrives in Nigeria

• Falcons coach anticipates a masterclass

By Tosin Omojola

A 35-member delegation of the Algeria senior women’s national football team has arrived in Lagos ahead of their international friendly matches against nine-time African champions Nigeria. The delegation is staying at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island.

Both teams will face off at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne, at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 26th, with the second match scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 29th, at 4:00 pm.

The ‘Green Ladies’, who have made five appearances at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since their debut in 2004, were initially scheduled to train at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at 5:00 pm on Thursday.

However, both the ‘Green Ladies’ and the Super Falcons will conduct their official training sessions at the Legacy Pitch inside the National Stadium, Surulere, with the Algerians set to take the pitch at 4:00 pm.

Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, expressed confidence on Thursday, expecting a masterclass performance from his team, who impressed at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and returned to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament this summer after a 16-year absence.

“We have had productive sessions since we resumed on Monday. I’m impressed with the players’ discipline and dedication, and I expect a masterclass performance from the Super Falcons in both games,” said Madugu.

“We respect the Algerians, just as we respect every team we face, but we need to bounce back strongly from the underwhelming performance at the Olympics and restore our team’s confidence and positive spirit.”

These two matches evoke memories of the Aisha Buhari Women’s Tournament, held in Lagos in September 2021, which was the last time the Super Falcons played Grade A friendly matches on home soil.

Madugu’s squad consists mainly of home-based professionals, with only six foreign-based players invited.