‘We love to express ourselves’ – Nigeria coach Justine Madugu outlines bold vision for Super Falcons
Nigeria women’s national team coach Justine Madugu says his football philosophy is rooted in African creativity, insisting that his players must play with freedom and flair.
The 61-year-old tactician, recently shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year, guided the Super Falcons to a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title in Morocco last July.
Yet Madugu says there is no time to rest, with preparations already underway to defend their crown in early 2026.
“What we achieved at the last Wafcon is in the past,” he said in Abeokuta. “We have to look forward, as we know there will be a higher challenge.”
Madugu believes returning to Morocco as reigning champions will bring additional pressure but also motivation.
“Everybody will make sure they compete effectively against us. We have to double our effort to maintain our standard,” he stated.
Awarded a two-year contract extension to October 2027, Madugu remains focused on progress rather than tenure.
“If you are offered a longer contract and the results don’t go your way, you could still be fired,” he explained. “It’s about getting down to work and improving the team.”
Taking over from American coach Randy Waldrum, Madugu says his approach departs from the defensive tactics of his predecessors.
“They adopted a more defensive approach… But for us, as Africans, as Nigerians, we love expressing ourselves on the pitch,” he said.
The Nigerian coach has set his sights on making the Super Falcons genuine contenders at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
“We must believe in ourselves and our abilities. I see the team reaching the semi-final or final if given the necessary support.”
Beyond results, Madugu emphasises nurturing players’ character and education. “It’s about developing them holistically because there is always life after football,” he said.
Madugu’s ambition remains clear: to turn the Super Falcons into Africa’s first-ever World Cup-winning team.
