WAFCON
CAF beams spotlights on Super Falcon’s manager, Madugu
From the group stage to the final, Nigeria’s journey at the 2024 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 equaliser, 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 defence—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 equalised, 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 newcomers.The 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
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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