Latest news with #Madugu
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria's Justin Madugu Named WAFCON 2024 Coach of the Tournament
Published: Saturday, 26 July 2025 Nigeria's head coach Justin Madugu has been named Coach of the Tournament at the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), crowning a remarkable campaign in which he led the Super Falcons to a historic 10th continental title. Madugu's emergence as one of the standout figures at the tournament marks a defining moment in his coaching career. Re-appointed as head coach on interim basis just months before the competition, the 61-year-old tactician seized his first major opportunity at the helm to deliver silverware and restore Nigeria's dominance on the continent. Prior to his appointment, Madugu had served twice in an interim capacity under former American head coach Randy Waldrum. He was also assistant coach during Nigeria's past three WAFCON appearances, winning the title under Edwin Okon in 2014, reclaiming it with Thomas Dennerby in 2018, and finishing fourth under Waldrum in 2022. In 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation entrusted the job to the seasoned and homegrown coach and he delivered. Relatively unknown on the global stage before Morocco 2024, the Adamawa-born coach quickly proved his mettle. He masterfully blended experience with youth, and home-based talent with overseas professionals, building a cohesive and tactically disciplined squad. Under Madugu's leadership, the Super Falcons went unbeaten, conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, and produced dominant performances, including a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia and a hard-fought 2-1 semifinal victory over defending champions South Africa. They sealed the title with a comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final. Madugu's tactical acumen, combining defensive solidity with attacking precision was central to Nigeria's successful 'Mission X' campaign, culminating in a record 10th WAFCON crown. His impressive résumé includes technical roles at major international tournaments: the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile, and the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups. He also part of Nigeria's 2015 All Africa Games gold medal success, the 2019 WAFU-B Women's Cup title. With continental success now under his belt, Madugu is expected to lead the Super Falcons into their 2026 WAFCON title defense and spearhead their campaign at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. After consecutive Round of 16 finishes at the last two World Cups, Nigeria is aiming higher and with Madugu at the helm, the Super Falcons appear well-positioned to take the next step toward global glory.
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco - Nigeria: The Final of a New Era
This Saturday at 9pm (local time), the Olympic Stadium in Rabat will vibrate to the rhythm of a historic match: the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco against Nigeria. Two giants of African Women's Football are preparing to faceoff in a thrilling atmosphere, in front of a Moroccan crowd seeking an unprecedented home title. This 2024 edition was marked by the spectacular rise of the Atlas Lionesses, under the leadership of Jorge Vilda, while the Super Falcons, led by Justin Madugu, are aiming for a 10th continental title. This matchup between a conquering Morocco and an experienced Nigeria promises to be a high-flying display of fine talent, combining determination, pride and passion. A legendary setting for a tense final The 21,000-seater Olympic Stadium in Rabat is the ideal setting for this grand evening. "Playing in front of our home crowd is an immense source of energy. This stadium is more than a pitch, it's an arena where our dreams can come to life," revealed Vilda, Morocco's Spanish coach, aware of the importance of this match for his team and his country. His opponent Madugu, the Nigerian coach, knows that they will have to overcome the local pressure: "We know the stakes and the intensity of the Moroccan crowd. But our players have experience in major finals and know how to handle this type of match." Morocco: A football revolution underway With a second consecutive final, the Atlas Lionesses have confirmed that they are now a major force on the continent. Their team play, orchestrated by Vilda, impresses with its fluidity, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. "Our strength lies in our cohesion. We have worked hard to get to this point. Each player knows what they have to do on the pitch," emphasizes Vilda. The latter, who previously coached the Spanish women's national team, has instilled tactical rigor and a winning spirit into a team that is discovering its identity. On the offensive side, Morocco can count on brilliant talents like captain fantastic Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, capable of making the difference at any moment. For the Moroccan staff, this final is also a symbolic step in the development of Women's Football in Morocco - a division that is booming thanks to the support of the federation and modern infrastructure. Nigeria: A heavyweight on the continent, still formidable Nigeria remains the undisputed benchmark in African Women's Football. With nine titles under their belt, the Super Falcons command respect. Their history is rich, made up of generations of talented players and a deeply rooted winning culture. Madugu focuses on the balance between youth and experience. "We have a highly motivated group of players, aware of the pressure of a final. They are ready to give their all," he explains. Nigeria have often shown that they can raise their level of play when the competition becomes intense. Their strong team spirit, athleticism, and lethal counterattack ability make them a formidable team. This final represents an opportunity for them to continue writing their legend and silence those who believe that Nigerian Women's Football is losing momentum. The Tactical Duel: Vilda vs Madugu On the bench, Vilda and Madugu are engaged in a duel of strategy. The former, known for his methodical style, has instilled rigorous discipline in Morocco, emphasizing a composed style of play based on ball control and intelligent pressing. The latter, at the helm of Nigeria, favours energetic and direct football, seeking to exploit the speed and physical power of his attackers. This tactical contrast makes the clash even more interesting. "It will be an intense match, where every detail will count," warns Vilda. "We'll have to be ready to counter their strengths, while imposing our own pace." Madugu, for his part, is relying on the confidence his players have gained throughout the competition: "We know Morocco is a strong team, but we have our own game plan." The Stakes and Symbolic Dimension For Morocco, a victory would be a crowning achievement, a first in the history of national women's football. This triumph would symbolize the emergence of a new African power, capable of competing with the continent's top teams. "It's not just a match. It's a message for the entire country. Women's football is making great strides, and this final is an opportunity to show the world that we belong," summarizes Vilda. For Nigeria, it's a matter of heritage and pride. Winning a 10th title would reinforce their status as a force to be reckoned with and consolidate their dominance. But it is also about proving that they are still at the top despite the rise of other nations. On Saturday in Rabat, it is much more than just two teams facing off. The history of African Women's Football is being written, with a glorious past and a promising future. Nigeria, guardians of a victorious tradition, and Morocco, symbol of an ambitious renaissance, will offer an intense, technical, and passionate exhibition of quality football. This final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat promises an evening of celebration and strong emotions, where every pass, every tackle, every shot could change the destiny of this exceptional encounter.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Justin Madugu: The Man Redefining the Rules
From the group stage to the final, Nigeria's journey at the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations has been one of tactical brilliance, composure under pressure, and collective strength. Under Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons have rediscovered their competitive edge—remaining unbeaten, conceding just once, and defeating three former champions en route to the final. Whether dispatching Tunisia with clinical precision, outwitting defending champions South Africa in the semis, or navigating a tense quarter-final showdown, Madugu's imprint has been unmistakable. Calm on the touchline and meticulous in preparation, he has turned a transitional squad into title contenders—instilling belief, unity, and tactical discipline. Winning Tactics with Purpose The term 'winning coach' is often overused, invoked with every tactical tweak. But in the case of Justin Madugu, it regains its full meaning. The Super Falcons head coach approaches every game like a seasoned strategist—with intuition, boldness, and impeccable man-management. In the semi-final of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations against South Africa (2–1), he struck again. After Linda Motlhalo's equalizer, the match appeared to be slipping into deadlock. But Madugu didn't panic—he anticipated, adjusted, and made his move. In the 81st minute, he introduced Deborah Abiodun. Far from a gamble, the young attacker was deployed just behind the front line to inject tempo. A few touches, a burst of pace, and a sublime pass behind the South African defense—Michelle Alozie latched on and delivered the knockout blow in added time (90+4). 'We prepare different scenarios for every game—if we're leading, drawing, or chasing a late goal,' Madugu calmly explained. 'When South Africa equalized, we reminded the players that the match isn't over until the final whistle. They believed in themselves and were rewarded.' Oshoala Benched, Echegini Rested Madugu showed his tactical boldness from the opening game against Tunisia (3–0). He made tough calls—Jennifer Echegini, dazzling this season with PSG, started on the bench. Asisat Oshoala, a legend of African football, was substituted after scoring. Few coaches would dare. Madugu did and took responsibility. 'Every player has a role to play. No one is more important than the team. Our strength lies in unity, and everyone is treated with equal respect.' Behind this philosophy is a clear method and a vision. When he named his squad for the tournament, 11 debutants made the list. A decision that raised conservative eyebrows, but for Madugu, it was a bold opportunity, not a risk. 'They earned their places during the preparatory matches. They belong here—there's no nervousness, no doubt about their value to the team.' Youth Empowered, Squad Rejuvenated It was a gamble. One that paid off. The team now blends seasoned veterans with energetic chemistry is real, on and off the pitch. Seniors guide and mentor. The young players listen, learn, and rise. A smooth generational handover, seamlessly managed. 'It's a learning process. This tournament is transforming them. It will benefit their club and international careers.' Madugu isn't just managing, he's building. He's thinking long term. By breaking free from rigid hierarchies, he's fostering competition, innovation, and ambition. The Nigeria of 2025 is no longer a gallery of stars—it's a carefully crafted collective. And its chief architect is just getting started. On Saturday, the Super Falcons will face host nation Morocco in the final, a daunting challenge in a packed stadium. But with Madugu at the helm, nothing seems impossible. Because under his guidance, Nigeria isn't just playing with its legacy, it's playing with fresh ideas and winning with them.
CAF
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria vs Zambia - Veteran Giants Meet Rising Force in Blockbuster Quarterfinal
Two of Africa's most exciting and ambitious women's football nations, Nigeria and Zambia are set for a decisive clash in the quarterfinals of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday in Casablanca. A fierce contest awaits at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where a semifinal ticket, legacy, and continental bragging rights will be on the line. It's a rivalry that has grown in intensity over recent years, and with both sides bringing unbeaten group stage form, this quarterfinal promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. Route to the Quarterfinals: Unbeaten and Unrelenting Both Nigeria and Zambia arrive in the last eight with their confidence intact following strong group-stage performances. Nigeria topped Group B with seven points, kicking off with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Botswana, and a goalless draw against Algeria. The Super Falcons are yet to concede a goal in the competition — a testament to their discipline and structure under head coach Justin Madugu. 'Our preparations have been good. As usual, we are already aware of the game tomorrow — a quarterfinal against Zambia. We've been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready,' Madugu said. 'Preparations are okay.' Zambia, on the other hand, impressed in Group A, finishing second only to hosts Morocco on goal difference with seven points. The Copper Queens battled to a 2-2 draw against the Atlas Lionesses, followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, and sealed qualification with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo. Coach Hauptle expressed confidence in her squad's evolution and readiness: 'I am happy to have had these days to prepare for the quarterfinal. I think my team is ready for the next stage. We moved down to Casablanca yesterday excited and prepared for tomorrow's game.' Squad News: Key Absentees and Returns Both sides will be without a key attacking option due to injury. For Zambia, Xiomara Mapepa will miss the encounter due to a fitness setback, but the Southern Africans will welcome back midfield dynamo Grace Chanda following suspension — a timely boost to their creativity and drive in midfield. 'We will be with 20 players tomorrow,' Hauptle confirmed. 'We released one home due to medical condition. Grace Chanda is back from her suspension. We are willing to play the match and go beyond to penalties.' Nigeria will miss Malawian-Nigerian forward Chioma Okafor, who is ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training. According to Madugu, 'The doctors gave a medical advice based on the operation that was done on her hand that she can't use it to play any game till after 12 days. It would not be wise to go against that.' However, the Super Falcons will see Deborah Abiodun return to the fold after serving her one-match suspension — an addition that boosts midfield steel and ball progression. Renewed Rivalry: A Shift in the Power Balance? Nigeria's dominance in WAFCON history is well documented, with a record nine titles and emphatic wins over Zambia in previous editions — including a 6-0 win in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018. But the Copper Queens flipped the script in 2022, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match — a symbolic win that underscored their arrival among the continent's best. Coach Madugu, who was on Nigeria's technical crew during all three previous encounters, remains respectful but focused: 'We cannot take away the fact that Zambia are a good team, but they are not unbeatable. The girls are in high spirits and fully ready for them. They, too, are very uncomfortable coming up against us.' Zambia captain Barbra Banda — absent during the 2018 and 2022 clashes — is relishing the opportunity to lead her side in this edition. '2018 and 2022 are in the past. What we are focusing on is what we have now,' she said. 'It's going to be an interesting game. This is Africa, and football here is different from the States. It's going to be competitive and at the end of the day, one team will win.' Plumptre vs Banda Headlines Star-Studded Cast This quarterfinal brings together some of the finest talents in African women's football. Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre, one of only two Super Falcons named in the Group Stage Best XI, has marshaled a backline yet to concede a goal. 'Preparations are going well. Everyone is in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is calm and exciting,' said Plumptre, who also spoke on Zambia's threats. 'Zambia have a good attacking line and we respect that. We prepare for the whole team and not just a few players.' On facing Banda: 'I don't know her personally, but I remember the gender verification backlash she faced. I have a lot of respect for her. She had to silence everyone and perform with a smile on her face. I really look forward to coming up against her.' Banda, who has scored in every group match, remains Zambia's talisman.'Honestly, I am not carrying any pressure with me. It's just motivation to work extra hard. Meeting Oshoala is great motivation for me. I give her much respect.' Tactics and Mindset: Calm Structure vs Controlled Chaos Madugu's ladies have shown defensive solidity and tactical discipline. 'We all defend as one and attack as one,' Plumptre noted. 'We are proud to have gone through the group stage without conceding.' Still, the Super Falcons coach admits finishing has been a concern. 'We've been trying to improve our goal conversion. These things take time; it's not magical. But I trust the girls will make an impact.' Zambia's approach is fast, fearless, and fluid. 'Our transition is one of the best in the world,' said Hauptle. 'Defenders struggle when we challenge them with speed.' She also stressed belief in team unity and mentality: 'We don't look too much at the opponent but focus on our strengths. We believe in unity and love — that's what drives us.' What's at Stake: More Than Just a Semifinal Spot Nigeria's ambitions are clear: reclaim the WAFCON title and reassert their dominance. But Madugu maintains a grounded outlook. 'We all believe in God and destiny. Even when we came fourth in 2022, it was never the plan. But our mindset is about winning — and that is what we are going for.' Zambia, meanwhile, are determined to go beyond their 2022 bronze finish and prove their progress is sustainable. 'We conceded from set pieces in the group stage, so we are working on that,' Hauptle noted. 'We won't allow Nigeria to keep the initiative. On Friday, we will show what we can do.' For Plumptre, individual accolades pale in comparison to team success: 'I was surprised to be named in the Best XI. It's a reflection of the entire team. I just hope we can carry those performances into the next round.' Kickoff: Friday, July 19, 2024 Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca Winner: Advances to the semifinals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations
