Former Super Falcons head coach Edwin Okon has urged current national team boss Justin Madugu not to remain silent if Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) fall below the standard required to compete for the title.
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With the Super Falcons aiming to reclaim the African crown in Morocco, concerns have been raised in some quarters over the team’s build-up to the tournament. While expressing confidence in the players’ ability to deliver, Okon insisted that a head coach has a duty to speak openly whenever conditions are not ideal.
Drawing from his own experience in charge of the nine-time African champions, the former coach said he never hesitated to challenge the authorities whenever issues threatened the team’s chances of success.
“When I was the head coach of the Super Falcons, I always spoke up whenever things were not right. A coach must be able to tell the authorities what the team needs because that is part of the job,” Okon said.
The experienced tactician stressed that keeping quiet in difficult situations does not help the team, especially ahead of a major competition where every aspect of preparation can influence performance.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the Super Falcons’ readiness for WAFCON, with fans and former players closely monitoring the team’s build-up to the tournament.
Despite his concerns, Okon made it clear that his remarks should not be seen as criticism of Madugu, but rather as advice from someone who understands the pressures of managing Nigeria’s most successful national team.
“The coach should speak up whenever things are not going well. If there are issues with preparation, they should be addressed early because everyone wants the Super Falcons to succeed,” he added.
Nigeria heads to Morocco chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, but the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever, with South Africa, Morocco, Zambia and other emerging powers continuing to close the gap on the continent.
Madugu has repeatedly maintained that his focus remains on preparing the team to compete at the highest level, while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have also moved to address players’ welfare by settling allowances and match bonuses before the tournament.
For Okon, however, financial support alone is not enough. Clear communication between the coaching crew and football authorities, he believes, will be just as important if Nigeria is to overcome the growing challenge from its African rivals and return home as champions.
