Madugu replies critics after Zambia win

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu stated he is unfazed by criticism regarding player selection, tactics, and player positioning following Nigeria's unexpected 3-2 loss to Malawi in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat to debutants Malawi had prompted scrutiny of Madugu's decisions.

In response to the criticism, Madugu made several changes for the crucial match against Zambia, securing a 1-0 victory. Notably, he reinstated Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe to the starting lineup. Shukurat Oladipo, who had been benched, also made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute, and Rofiat Imuran was given a starting role.

Asisat Oshoala's early eighth-minute goal proved to be the decisive factor in the win against Zambia. The Falcons played with ten players from the 40th minute after Tosin Demehin received a straight red card. Madugu acknowledged that the team made numerous errors in the match against Malawi but highlighted that their performance against Zambia demonstrated their ability to learn from those setbacks.

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Sometimes you have bad days and things don’t work. We made so many mistakes in the previous game and we had a better game plan in the next game and we have the result.

"Sometimes you have bad days and things don’t work. We made so many mistakes in the previous game and we had a better game plan in the next game and we have the result," Madugu said in a post-match interview. "For criticism, it is something we must learn to deal with as a coach because you cannot please everybody and everybody sees football from a different perspective. It’s just for you to believe in what you do. You must be ready to take the blame for anything that happens."

Madugu, who received a new contract from the Nigeria Football Federation in October after leading the team to their 10th WAFCON title, aims to secure an 11th continental crown and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. He was also nominated for a best coach award at the Ballon d'Or last year.

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For criticism, it is something we must learn to deal with as a coach because you cannot please everybody and everybody sees football from a different perspective. It’s just for you to believe in what you do. You must be ready to take the blame for anything that happens.