Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has transformed his life, and that of his coaching staff and players, while also elevating the profile of indigenous coaches across Africa.
Nigeria claimed a record-extending 10th WAFCON title after producing a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final in Rabat, cementing the Super Falcons’ status as the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, Madugu reflected on the significance of the achievement, describing it as the fulfilment of a huge responsibility entrusted to the team by millions of Nigerians.
“It’s always a good thing each time you go out for an assignment and you succeed in getting whatever it is that you have gone out for,” Madugu said.
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“It is only natural that one will always feel very happy, considering the fact that it’s a huge responsibility, and we all know what football means to Nigerians. For us to be shouldered with that kind of responsibility and eventually meet the aspirations of Nigerians was something we were quite happy about.”
Madugu said the continental success has brought widespread recognition, with the team receiving honours and appreciation from individuals, corporate organisations and government, while also strengthening confidence in local coaches.
“On a personal level, it also accorded us more recognition with various awards and appreciation by individuals, corporate organisations and even the government,” he said.
“Professionally, it gave us the belief that we can still do more, considering the fact that most times people don’t tend to rate indigenous coaches or give them the respect they deserve.”
The coach, who earned a historic nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year award, believes the WAFCON triumph has opened doors for other African coaches.
“With what we were able to achieve, we built a reputation not only for indigenous coaches on the continent but even globally,” he said.
“My joy is that we have set the pace for our colleagues, and now we must continue building on it rather than making it look like a one-off achievement.”
Madugu added that success has also come with increased expectations and a greater sense of responsibility.
“The appreciation that has come our way is something you will quite appreciate. It has elevated our status to a much higher level, and we must try as much as possible to ensure that we continue to act as role models to others who will be looking up to us based on what we have achieved,” he said.
“So, there’s a huge burden on us. We need to be careful with what we do wherever we are because we must set a good example and try to be exemplary in everything we do.”
Despite the increased attention that comes with success, Madugu insisted he remains focused on his job and is not distracted by outside noise.
“Certainly, when you get to levels like that, you will always have more recognition and everybody will want to identify with success for one reason or another. Some will be happy about it, while some may not be,” he said.
“I keep seeing many things being reported, but I am not somebody who can easily be distracted by anything. I am always focused on whatever is ahead of me, I remain calm and I simply try to do the best I can with the responsibility that has been vested upon me.”
Nigeria will now turn its attention to defending its continental crown at the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 16. The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi as they chase an unprecedented 11th African title.
