Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has brushed aside criticism of his tactical approach following Nigeria’s shock 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi.
Madugu came under scrutiny after the Super Falcons’ surprising loss to the Scorchers on Tuesday night, with many questioning his tactical decisions during the encounter.
The defeat was particularly significant, as it marked the first time the defending champions have lost to a debutant nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Madugu Responds To Critics
The 61-year-old acknowledged that fans have every right to express their opinions about the team’s performances.
“They are questioning my technical, and tactical ability because we lost a game. But was the Malawi game the first I have handled with the Super Falcons,” Madugu told a press conference on Friday.
“It was not the first game, i have handled a several other matches that we won. Nobody questioned me then.
“The fact is that we know what are doing. We are focused, and looking ahead. Like I said the last game we played was not the only we have played at the WAFCON. We played at the tournament in 2024, and we won. Because we lost one game, people are questioning the tactics. It is within their rights to do so. I don’t have any problem with that.”
Read Also:WAFCON 2026: Malawi Defeat A Wake-Up Call For Super Falcons — Madugu
On Team Selection Against Malawi
Madugu also stood by his team selection for the Malawi clash.
“Of course if a player does not train well, how do you prove to us that you are ready for action,” Madugu added.
“It is what we see you do in training that show your level of preparedness, whether you are ready or not.You don’t work with the mindset that you are always going to play. It doesn’t work that way.
“You have to look at the players, assess them , also with the game plan you have in mind. When you present an idea, who is adapting to it. Who is doing it well . These are the things you see before coming up with your selection.
“Then, when things go wrong, that’s why we are there as coaches to observe. If things are going wrong, what do we do is to correct them.
“It is not magic, there are things that takes time for the players to understand. Some will assimilate quickly,others won’t.”
Super Falcons Ready For Malawi Test
Despite the disappointing result, Madugu insisted his side is fully focused and ready for Saturday’s crucial Group C clash against Zambia.
“The feeling is good, everyone is looking very bright. We have put behind us the disappointment of the last game. We are looking forward to the game against Zambia,” Madugu declared.
By Adeboye Amosu
3 Comments
I think coach Madugu should share in the blame for the dismal performance of the Nigerian Super Falcons last Tuesday against the Malawian
Poor preparations, lack of adequate training and a very few high-profile pre-Wafcon test are the reasons for the poor showing against Malawi ladies. The SF players and their coaching crew underestimated the Malawians, who are a very fast, fit, pacy and well organised team.
Madugu should this time get the SF adequately and appropriately prepared against the Copper Queens of Zambia, who play almost the same pattern as the Scorchers of Malawi, who deploy the pacy Chawinga sisters, but this time the equally pacy duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Chiwananga up front to terrorise slow and unfit defenders.
The slow and aging Ohale should give way to a younger fitter Centre back pairing to contain the 2 Zambian terrorists women tomorrow.
Same SF players, under same Coach Madugu, thrashed this same Zambian team about a year a goal by 5-0 and I cannot see why the same Super Falcons can’t beat them again tomorrow by say 3-1 in favour of the Super Falcons, if they get their acts together.
Blame the NFF instead, don’t you remember Ajibade was screaming on top of her voice for friendly matches, but the olodos in the glass house only reluctantly responded with a friendly match against common Senegal. The problem is with the NFF, their ineptitude and failure to appoint a coach for the super eagles cost us the last world cup and will cost the super falcons the world cup next year, it’s about time we chase out those olodos from the glass house before they do more damage to our football. Where’s our glorious u-17 of old, where’s the national league today , what’s the plan for replacement of our aging stars in both the men and women teams, why’s any of our male or female referees not officiating in common u-17, u-20 wafu b competitions not to talk of the AFCON or WAFCON, it’s just pathetic that the coaches continue to bear the blame of these corrupt olodos.
7 Areas The Super Falcons Must Improve On Against Zambia
Playing a high defensive line against pacy Malawi strikers proved costly in the dying embers of that game. Zambia has similar profile strikers, hence, Madugu and his wards should beware.
The Super Falcons’ defensive line was haphazard at times in that ill-fated match, making it is for the terrible sisters from Malawi to take advantage terribly. The Super Falcons must maintain their shape today, not just in defence, but across the pitch as their positional discipline will be too hot for Zambia to handle.
And, what’s with this sea wayward and misplaced passes? I want to believe that the interlude between both matches would have afforded our girls that opportunity to fine-tune to passing routines to perfection.
Lack of concentration also cost us like a hole in the head! Focus, concentration, devotion will serve the Falcons well against Zambia.
Still on the topic of concentration, the Super Falcons did have good ideas and rudiments of credible concepts. But, uncharacteristically, execution let them down. Again, to execute effectively is to win convincingly.
Width, width, width! The combination of Ijamilusi, Okoronkwo and Ihezuo upfront rubbed the team of width – an essential component that ruffles opposition centre defenders from copious crosses. With Plumptre missing, Madugu needs to select defenders who can cross and full backs who can launch Hail Mary long balls.
Some of our set piece routines – like throw ins – were poorly delivered against Malawi. With thought, care and attention, these routines – often a boon to the Super Falcons – can be a bane to Zambia.