In one of the most dramatic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals ever witnessed, Nigeria pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco to claim their 10th continental crown. At the heart of this historic triumph was Coach Justin Madugu, who shared how his team overcame adversity, self-doubt, and a raucous home crowd to etch their names in African football history once again.
“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Madugu began in his post-match reflections. “Playing the host nation in a final is always tough, but this Moroccan team had momentum, home support, and belief. We had to match that intensity and dig deep to find our own spark.”
The match began with Nigeria on the back foot. Morocco’s high pressing game paid off early, as they found the net in the 12th minute through a well-worked team goal. The packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium erupted in deafening cheers, and the Super Falcons appeared rattled. But Coach Madugu remained calm.
“I told the girls at halftime, ‘This is not the end. This is where champions rise.’ They looked me in the eye, and I saw the fire return,” he said. “The players knew what was at stake. They’ve been here before.”
That belief translated into action in the second half. Nigeria equalized in the 52nd minute through star striker Asisat Oshoala, who latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted it past the Moroccan keeper. However, the joy was short-lived, as Morocco reclaimed the lead just seven minutes later after a defensive mix-up.
“At 2-1 down, some teams would crumble. But not this one,” Madugu explained. “We made tactical adjustments. We pushed Oshoala wider and brought on fresh legs in midfield. We changed our press and started forcing errors.”
The turning point came in the 76th minute when substitute Gift Monday powered home a header from a corner to level the score at 2-2. Suddenly, the pressure shifted. Morocco looked nervous. Nigeria smelled blood.
“After that goal, I told them, ‘We’re not going to penalties. We finish this now,’” the coach recounted with pride.
In the dying minutes of the game, Nigeria’s persistence paid off. Rasheedat Ajibade broke through on a counterattack, beat her marker, and fired a low drive into the corner of the net to complete the comeback.
The final whistle blew, and the Nigerian bench erupted. Tears, hugs, and dances followed as players embraced one another in disbelief and joy.
Reflecting on the journey, Madugu said, “This wasn’t just a victory for the Super Falcons. It was for every Nigerian girl who dreams of wearing that jersey. We faced injuries, pressure, and doubters. But we believed. That’s why we won.”
He also paid tribute to the Moroccan team, calling them “formidable opponents who will surely challenge again,” and praised the WAFCON organizers for “raising the standard of African women’s football.”
Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Morocco will be remembered as a masterclass in resilience and belief. And at the heart of it was Coach Justin Madugu, whose leadership reminded the continent that th
e Super Falcons still soar.
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