Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has described Nigeria’s shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi as a “wake up call,” insisting the loss will strengthen rather than derail the team’s quest to retain the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The defending African champions suffered one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history after falling to Malawi in their Group C opener, leaving Nigeria third in the group and under pressure ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash against Zambia.
Speaking after the match, Madugu commended his players for their effort despite the disappointing result.
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“I want to appreciate the girls for the effort they put into the game. They gave it their all and their best. We made mistakes and we got punished for those mistakes,” he said.
The coach defended his team selection, explaining that every decision was based on players’ form and tactical considerations.
He also disclosed that midfielder Deborah Abiodun’s late arrival affected her availability, with the technical crew opting not to risk an injury by rushing her into action.
Madugu dismissed suggestions that some players were deployed out of position, noting that versatility has always been one of the Super Falcons’ strengths.
He argued that the goals conceded were the result of collective defensive lapses rather than the mistakes of individual players.
“We accept responsibility for what happened. It’s a wake up call for all of us, and we’ll go back, correct the mistakes and get it right next time,” he said.
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The coach also cautioned Nigerians against underrating Malawi, saying the Southern African side earned their victory after years of steady development through regional competitions.
“The Malawians are a good side. Any team that qualifies for the WAFCON deserves respect. They prepared very well and got the result they worked for,” Madugu added.
Despite the setback, the coach expressed confidence that the Super Falcons remain capable of defending their continental crown.
Nigeria must now avoid another slip when they face Group C leaders Zambia on Saturday in what has become a must win fixture to keep their WAFCON title defence on track.
