Super Falcons: Three selection dilemmas Justin Madugu must solve before facing Zambia

Justin Madugu faces the biggest selection calls of his time as Super Falcons boss, with Nigeria's title defence hanging by a thread after a shock 3-2 opening defeat to Malawi, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons must beat Zambia on Saturday to keep their campaign alive, and getting his team selection right could be the difference between survival and an early exit.

Some players underperformed while others looked shaky in the last game against Malawi. So, there might be one or two tweaks about. In this article, we write about three selection dilemmas Madugu needs to solve.

1. Nnadozie or Erhabor in Super Falcons' goal?

Chiamaka Nnadozie started the tournament as undisputed first choice, arriving in Morocco as the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year. But her performance against Malawi has drawn public criticism, with some fans calling for backup Comfort Erhabor to be handed the gloves against Zambia.

Madugu has publicly defended Nnadozie, insisting the Malawi defeat was a collective failure rather than an individual one and pointing to her track record for club and country. But that does not categorically mean that he will start her next time out. Whether he sticks with that public backing under real pressure — or opts for a change to try and settle nerves at the back — is arguably the biggest selection call he faces this week.

2. Who fills the gap left by Plumptre?

Nigeria's defence has looked short of its usual solidity without Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the entire tournament while recovering from injury, and it showed against a Malawi side that exploited space in behind all afternoon.

Madugu has options to address it — Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah and Glory Ogbonna all offer different profiles alongside the experienced Osinachi Ohale at the back — but finding the right central defensive partnership to shore things up against a Zambia attack spearheaded by the tricky and pacy Barbra Banda is now urgent business.

3. How much does the attack need freshening up?

Nigeria created promising moments against Malawi without ultimately doing enough with them, raising questions about whether Madugu's forward line needs adjusting.

Esther Okoronkwo did not look entirely convincing last time, Rasheedat Ajibade was also not at her best. But there are options like Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu also in the squad. Madugu can also call on Asisat Oshoala who is a more traditional striker if he wants to add more movement and unpredictability up front.

Given Nigeria's must-win situation, getting more end product from the final third is just as pressing a concern as fixing the defence.