Super Falcons must play the best players at Olympics – Maureen Madu

Former international Maureen Madu has dismissed the debate for more home-based players to be involved with the Super Falcons leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Madu maintained that Nigeria should be represented by their best players at the Olympics, where they are drawn in a tough-looking first round against Spain, Japan and Brazil.

She said the best and fit players should be in Paris.

“Whether home-based players or professional, Nigeria is for everybody,” insisted Maureen Madu, who recalled how Uchenna Kanu was handed her chance to make the Super Falcons.

“We have to play our best at the Olympics.”

The nine-time African champions will be hard pressed to reach the knockout rounds of the Olympics.

However, Madu said the team can also cause some upsets in Paris as they did at the World Cup last year.

“No one gave them a chance at the World Cup where they were drawn in ‘Group of Death’ but they still reached the knockout rounds,” she said.

“The same can happen at the Olympics.

“I have confidence in the team. We have to believe in this team, they have been improving.”

She further praised the tactical discipline coach Randy Waldrum has brought to the national team.

Nigeria open their Olympics campaign on July 25 against Brazil.