Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has attributed Nigeria’s dramatic comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final of the just-concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to the team’s mental toughness and tactical flexibility.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Madugu praised his players’ resilience after overturning a 2–0 first-half deficit to seal a historic 3–2 victory at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
“It was not easy playing the host country and trailing by two goals in the first half,” he said.
“But we had the belief. We knew we could come back. The players showed mental resilience, and that gave us the edge.”
Nigeria appeared disjointed and under pressure in the opening 45 minutes, but rather than panic, Madugu and his technical crew focused on keeping the team motivated.
“We kept encouraging them not to give up,” he added. “We talked to them individually and collectively, and eventually in the second half, they came out stronger and did better.”
Addressing questions over the timing of his substitutions, Madugu explained that the decisions were part of a broader tactical plan designed to adapt to the flow of the game.
“When you prepare for a match, you have a plan A, B, and sometimes C,” he explained.
“If one doesn’t work, you adjust. Initially, we followed the game plan but had to switch tactics once we began chasing the game. That was when we made the changes.”
Madugu who was named the coach of the tournament emphasized that the substitutions were not delayed but deliberately timed to coincide with a necessary tactical shift as the game evolved.
On the broader development of women’s football in Africa, the coach acknowledged progress but called for sustained investment in infrastructure and youth development.
“There is improvement, no doubt, but we need better facilities, more sponsorship support, and well-structured developmental programmes to compete at the global level.”
Madugu also stressed the importance of continuous learning for coaches to stay ahead of evolving football trends.
“Even we as coaches need to keep developing. The game keeps changing. We must train and retrain so that we’re not left behind.”
Commenting on reports of laser pointers being directed at Nigerian players during the match, Madugu confirmed that his team noticed the distraction but stayed composed.
“We knew it might happen, because it has happened before,” he said. “But it didn’t affect the team. They stayed focused and got the job done.”
The victory handed Nigeria their 10th WAFCON title and served as a testament to the team’s character, preparation, and tactical discipline under pressure.