Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has credited his team’s mental resilience and halftime adjustments for their remarkable comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The final, played in a packed stadium, saw Nigeria trailing 2-0 just 24 minutes into the encounter, as host nation Morocco capitalized on early defensive lapses to take a commanding lead.
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However, the Falcons mounted a dramatic second-half response. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the revival in the 64th minute, calmly converting a penalty. Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini followed up with two well-taken goals to seal a 3-2 triumph and deliver Nigeria’s 12th WAFCON title.
Speaking after the match, Madugu praised his players’ character and determination.
“If they didn’t have mental resilience, they would have given up,” the 61-year-old said. “But they kept believing, and they earned this victory.”
Justin Madugu also revealed that a passionate halftime team talk played a pivotal role in turning the tide.
“We did a lot of talking at halftime,” he explained. “We had a game plan, but what we wanted to avoid led to two goals. So, we had to make the changes we made.”
The comeback win not only underscored Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also marked Madugu’s first WAFCON title as head coach.
