WAFCON
Justin Madugu Named Coach of the Tournament as Super Falcons Clinch 10th WAFCON Title
Nigeria’s head coach, Justin Madugu, has been named Coach of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), capping off a triumphant campaign in which he guided the Super Falcons to a historic 10th continental crown.
The 61-year-old tactician’s recognition follows a remarkable run that saw Nigeria go unbeaten, concede just one goal, and deliver commanding performances en route to reclaiming their status as Africa’s dominant force in women’s football.
Madugu’s rise to prominence marks a defining moment in his coaching journey.
Re-appointed as interim head coach just months before the tournament, the Adamawa-born strategist seized the opportunity to deliver silverware and re-establish Nigeria’s supremacy on the African stage.
Before taking the reins, Madugu had served in interim roles under former head coach Randy Waldrum and was a long-serving assistant coach, contributing to Nigeria’s WAFCON successes in 2014 and 2018, and their fourth-place finish in 2022.
In 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation handed him full control of the team — a decision that paid rich dividends.
Despite being relatively unknown outside the continent before Morocco 2024, Madugu proved his mettle with tactical brilliance and man-management skills. He blended home-based talent with foreign-based professionals, creating a balanced and cohesive squad that combined defensive solidity with attacking flair.
Under his guidance, the Super Falcons delivered emphatic victories, including a 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the group stage, a tense 2-1 semi-final win over defending champions South Africa, and a dramatic 3-2 comeback triumph against hosts Morocco in the final — securing Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Madugu’s “Mission X” campaign not only restored national pride but also solidified his place among Africa’s elite coaches.
His previous résumé includes key roles in Nigeria’s teams at the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Chile, the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, and the senior FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
He also contributed to Nigeria’s gold medal at the 2015 All-Africa Games and their 2019 WAFU-B Women’s Cup triumph.
With continental glory now to his name, Madugu is expected to lead the Super Falcons into the 2026 WAFCON title defence and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Following back-to-back Round of 16 finishes at the last two World Cups, Nigeria is aiming higher — and with Madugu at the helm, the future looks promising.
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WAFCON
Super Falcons Receive National Honours, Homes and Cash Rewards from President Tinubu After WAFCON Triumph
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were on Monday hosted to a grand state reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in celebration of their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The President lavished praises, national honours, and significant rewards on the team for clinching a record-extending 10th continental title, which came via a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Speaking during the reception at the State House, President Tinubu hailed the team’s fighting spirit and the inspiration they have given to the nation.
“The indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage you displayed lifted the spirit of the entire nation,” Tinubu said. “After that penalty, when I saw 2-1, my spirit was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too. You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
In recognition of their achievement, President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each of the 24 players and members of the 11-man technical crew.
He further announced that each player will receive:
- A three-bedroom flat in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate
- A cash reward equivalent to $100,000 in naira
Each member of the technical crew will also receive:
- A three-bedroom flat
- A cash reward of $50,000
The President concluded his address with heartfelt admiration for the team’s triumph, saying, “Once again, I congratulate you, and I will continue to pray for you. My spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you.”
The celebratory ceremony highlighted the federal government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and promoting the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
In a further show of solidarity, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a collective pledge from the governors to award each player and technical staff member ₦10 million.
The reception capped a glorious return home for the Super Falcons, whose resilience and brilliance in Morocco have etched them into African football history once again.
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Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will witness a rare and jubilant celebration on Monday, July 29, as Nigeria’s Super Falcons return home triumphantly with the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy — the continent’s ultimate prize in women’s football.
Nigeria Women’s national team, Super Falcons in victory parade after WAFCON win in 2018.
The African champions, fresh from their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final played Saturday night at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, are scheduled to land at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by noon.
To mark the record-extending 10th WAFCON title win, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has planned a trophy parade across key parts of Abuja.
The glamorous Remo Stars have offered a template on how victory parades should be done.
The victorious team, led by their coaches, will journey in an open-roof bus through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market, before arriving at the Presidential Villa.
“We are making arrangements to have a trophy parade with the players and their coaches in an open-roof bus, plying through Airport Road, Berger junction, Maitama and Wuse Market areas all the way to the Presidential Villa,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Sunday. “This will afford a good number of people in those areas to have a rare sight of the Women AFCON trophy.”
The celebratory parade will conclude with a reception hosted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at the Presidential Villa, where the team will be honoured for their historic feat.
Saturday’s win in Rabat not only sealed Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON crown but also reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ enduring legacy as the most successful team in African women’s football history.
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WAFCON
Goldberg Salutes Super Falcons on Historic 10th WAFCON Title Win, Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Football
Goldberg Lager, one of the flagship brands of Nigerian Breweries, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their hard-fought victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they lifted their record-extending 10th continental title.
The Nigerian women’s team edged past hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, capping off a remarkable campaign that showcased their strength, unity, and experience.
In its congratulatory message after the match, Goldberg hailed the Super Falcons’ journey as a “true symbol of Naija resilience and pride,” celebrating a team that continues to inspire millions of Nigerians and football fans across the continent.
“The Super Falcons have once again shown why they are the pride of Africa,” the statement read. “Their courage, discipline, and unity reflect the true spirit of champions. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with them and with all Nigerians,” the Brand Manager, Goldberg, Titilayo Famodimu stated.
Road to the Final
Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia before edging out South Africa in the semi-finals after a fierce contest.
Beyond matchday cheers, Goldberg and Nigerian Breweries have been fuelling the rise of women’s football in Nigeria through consistent brand partnerships, grassroots engagements, and national team support campaigns.
From spotlighting female athletes in their advertising to backing platforms that promote the women’s game, the brand has stayed committed to breaking barriers and opening more opportunities for Nigerian women in sports.
Goldberg noted that this WAFCON title is not only a victory for the Super Falcons but for every girl who dreams of wearing the green and white.
“We believe in the power of women, and we’re proud to be part of this journey. This win is for all of Nigeria, and we look forward to doing even more to support the women’s game,” she concluded.
The Super Falcons had truly aligned with the brand’s ongoing campaign at #GoldStandard, showcasing the rest of the continent’s best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.
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Super Falcons Receive National Honours, Homes and Cash Rewards from President Tinubu After WAFCON Triumph
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