Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has hailed the mentality and resilience of his players, describing their fighting spirit as one of the biggest reasons behind Nigeria’s sustained success in women’s football.
Madugu made the remarks after the Super Falcons’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia, a result that revived Nigeria’s campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following the opening defeat to Malawi.
Reflecting on his team’s character, the Adamawa-born tactician said the players have consistently shown the determination to compete until the final whistle, regardless of the circumstances.
“One of the greatest strengths of this team is its mentality. Whether we’re leading or trailing in a match, the players never stop believing and never stop fighting,” Madugu said.
The coach pointed to the victory over Zambia, where Nigeria played with 10 players for much of the game, as evidence of the squad’s resilience and commitment.
“The players have shown tremendous character throughout this tournament. They have a never-say-die attitude, and that is something that makes this team special. They are always ready to fight for each other and for the country,” he added.
Madugu also commended the unity within the squad, noting that every player has embraced the team’s objectives despite the challenges encountered during the competition.
The Super Falcons head coach reiterated that the team’s focus remains on taking one game at a time while striving to make Nigerians proud with their performances.
Nigeria will conclude its Group C campaign against Egypt on Wednesday, with victory guaranteeing the 10-time African champions a place in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
