Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, has revealed how a tactical switch midway through the final helped Nigeria overcome hosts Morocco to clinch victory at the African Women’s Nations Cup.
Speaking at a civic reception held in his honour in Numan, Adamawa State, Madugu told PUNCH Online on Friday that his original strategy proved ineffective, prompting a quick rethink.
“I spent the first half analyzing Morocco’s style of play and realized my initial game plan wasn’t working,” he explained. “So, I decided to switch to Plan B, especially by making key changes in the midfield.”
According to Madugu, the turning point came when he introduced a fast, tactically sound midfielder who changed the momentum of the game.
“If you watched the match, you’d notice how the new midfielder took control of the midfield with superior ball distribution. That allowed us to push Morocco back and create scoring opportunities,” he said.
Reflecting on the moment Nigeria trailed by two goals at halftime, Madugu admitted it was nerve-wracking.
“It felt like the blood drained from my body,” he recalled. “But I told myself, if we were going to lose, Morocco would have to see fire on that pitch.”
He commended his players’ fighting spirit despite the hostile atmosphere. “Playing against the host nation in a final is tough, but the Super Falcons showed they have the heart of lions. Their determination gave me hope.”
During the ceremony, the traditional ruler of the Bachama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila (Hama Bachama), honoured Madugu with a traditional title, praising his leadership and for making both the kingdom and Nigeria proud.
The monarch also encouraged Nigerian youths to pursue sports, noting that “modern sports pay more than many government jobs.”
Also in attendance was Mr. Kwamoti Laori, a member of the House of Representatives representing Numan, Demsa, and Lamurde Federal Constituency under the PDP. He urged the Nigerian Football Federation to confirm Madugu as the substantive head coach of the Super Falcons.
“Given the right opportunity, Madugu can even lead Nigeria to a World Cup win,” Laori said, also calling on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to invest more in sporting infrastructure.
Coach Madugu attended the reception with his wife.
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