The coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria Justin Pwanidi Madugu, KSM was recently named Coach of the Tournament at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where he led the Super Falcons to a historic 10th continental title.
Here’s a description of Coach Justin Madugu:
Tactical Acumen and Meticulous Preparation: Madugu is described as a seasoned strategist who approaches every game with intuition, boldness, and impeccable man-management. He prepares for different scenarios (leading, drawing, or chasing a goal) and is known for his tactical flexibility. His team’s success in WAFCON 2024, including a dominant 5-0 win over Zambia, a hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory against South Africa, and a comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, highlights his strategic prowess. He combines defensive solidity with attacking precision.
Calm and Composed : He maintains a calm demeanor on the touchline and in press conferences, reflecting his strategic approach to the game. Even when faced with challenges, like an equalizer in a crucial match, he remains composed and makes decisive adjustments.
Deep Familiarity with the Team: Madugu has a long history with the Super Falcons, having served as an assistant coach in previous WAFCON editions, including the title-winning campaigns in 2014 and 2018. This deep understanding of the team and its players has been invaluable to his success.
Instilling Belief and Unity : He has been credited with transforming a transitional squad into title contenders, instilling belief, unity, and tactical discipline within the team. His players respond to his leadership and believe in his methods.
Bold Decision-Maker : Madugu is not afraid to make bold decisions, such as making three halftime substitutions despite leading 3-0 in a match, or benching star players like Asisat Oshoala for tactical reasons. These decisions often pay off, showcasing his confidence in his strategy.
Proven Track Record (Youth and Senior Teams): Prior to his current role, Madugu had success with Nigeria’s youth teams (Falconets U-20 and Flamingos U-17) and has been part of Nigeria’s success in other tournaments, including the 2015 All Africa Games gold medal and the 2019 WAFU-B Women’s Cup. His recent WAFCON triumph is a significant milestone in his coaching career.
Focus on Resilience: His team has shown remarkable resilience, scoring late winners in several crucial matches, demonstrating their never-say-die attitude.
In summary, Justin Madugu is a highly regarded coach who has brought tactical discipline, unity, and a winning mentality to the Super Falcons, culminating in their recent WAFCON victory.
Let’s I forget, Coach Justin Madugu is a member of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria and the Worthy Grand Knight of Yola Sub-Council, Yola Adamawa State.
