2027 WWC Playoffs: Madugu hints at goalkeeper switch after Nnadozie error

Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu is considering replacing Chiamaka Nnadozie after the goalkeeper’s error in Sunday’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon.

Nnadozie was at fault for the Indomitable Lionesses’ lone strike scored by Maeva Nyadjou in the 19th minute.

The Brighton shot stopper was only able to push Nyadjou’s free kick into her own net, in a moment that ultimately proved decisive in the keenly contested encounter.

The defeat to Cameroon put an end to Nigeria’s ambition of winning a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Madugu’s side also missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will now face the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in a play-in clash on Thursday for a chance to qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs.

Madugu acknowledged that he would consider the other options in his squad for the game against Desire Ellis’ side.

“We have to do an overall assessment and see what we can do in the shortest possible time before the next game against South Africa,” Madugu said after the game against Cameroon.

“There’s nothing bad in exploring other players.”

Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will clash in the other play-in clash also on Thursday.

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