From the group stage to the final, Nigeria’s journey at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been one of tactical brilliance, composure under pressure, and collective strength. 

Under Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons have rediscovered their competitive edge—remaining unbeaten, conceding just once, and defeating three former champions en route to the final.

Whether dispatching Tunisia with clinical precision, outwitting defending champions South Africa in the semis, or navigating a tense quarter-final showdown, Madugu’s imprint has been unmistakable. Calm on the touchline and meticulous in preparation, he has turned a transitional squad into title contenders—instilling belief, unity, and tactical discipline.

Winning Tactics with Purpose

The term “winning coach” is often overused, invoked with every tactical tweak. But in the case of Justin Madugu, it regains its full meaning. The Super Falcons head coach approaches every game like a seasoned strategist—with intuition, boldness, and impeccable man-management.

In the semi-final of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against South Africa (2–1), he struck again. After Linda Motlhalo’s equaliser, the match appeared to be slipping into deadlock. But Madugu didn’t panic—he anticipated, adjusted, and made his move. 

In the 81st minute, he introduced Deborah Abiodun. Far from a gamble, the young attacker was deployed just behind the front line to inject tempo.

A few touches, a burst of pace, and a sublime pass behind the South African defence—Michelle Alozie latched on and delivered the knockout blow in added time (90+4).

“We prepare different scenarios for every game—if we’re leading, drawing, or chasing a late goal,” Madugu calmly explained. “When South Africa equalised, we reminded the players that the match isn’t over until the final whistle. They believed in themselves and were rewarded.”

Oshoala Benched, Echegini Rested

Madugu showed his tactical boldness from the opening game against Tunisia (3–0). He made tough calls—Jennifer Echegini, dazzling this season with PSG, started on the bench. 

Asisat Oshoala, a legend of African football, was substituted after scoring. Few coaches would dare. Madugu did and took responsibility. “Every player has a role to play. No one is more important than the team. Our strength lies in unity, and everyone is treated with equal respect.”

Behind this philosophy is a clear method and a vision. When he named his squad for the tournament, 11 debutants made the list.

A decision that raised conservative eyebrows, but for Madugu, it was a bold opportunity, not a risk. “They earned their places during the preparatory matches. They belong here—there’s no nervousness, no doubt about their value to the team.”

Youth Empowered, Squad Rejuvenated

It was a gamble. One that paid off. The team now blends seasoned veterans with energetic newcomers.The chemistry is real, on and off the pitch. Seniors guide and mentor. The young players listen, learn, and rise. A smooth generational handover, seamlessly managed.

“It’s a learning process. This tournament is transforming them. It will benefit their club and international careers.” Madugu isn’t just managing, he’s building.

He’s thinking long term. By breaking free from rigid hierarchies, he’s fostering competition, innovation, and ambition. The Nigeria of 2025 is no longer a gallery of stars—it’s a carefully crafted collective. And its chief architect is just getting started.

On Saturday, the Super Falcons will face host nation Morocco in the final, a daunting challenge in a packed stadium.

But with Madugu at the helm, nothing seems impossible. Because under his guidance, Nigeria isn’t just playing with its legacy, it’s playing with fresh ideas and winning with them.

-CAF

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In a remarkable show of sportsmanship and unity, Nigeria’s Super Falcons visited South African defender Gabriela Salgado at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.

This heartwarming visit followed the horror injury she sustained during the semifinal clash between both teams at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Salgado, 28, had been a symbol of resilience heading into the high-stakes fixture on Monday, July 21. The South African international had missed WAFCON 2022 due to a serious injury. She had fought her way back into the Banyana Banyana squad.

She was looking forward to finally living her dream on Africa’s biggest football stage.

She was brimming with excitement as she participated in the pre-match press conference. She spoke passionately about her journey. She also expressed her teammates’ togetherness and her determination to help South Africa retain their continental crown.

That enthusiasm continued as she and her teammates sang their way off the team bus and into the stadium dressing room ahead of what has become Africa’s most anticipated women’s football rivalry.

The match lived up to its billing, with Nigeria taking the lead through a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty before South Africa equalised via a Linda Motlhalo spot-kick.

But tragedy struck late in the game when Salgado suffered a gruesome leg injury that brought play to a standstill.

The reactions of players from both sides—some visibly shaken, others in tears or slumped on the turf—told the story of the horror that had just unfolded.

In compassion, Super Falcons’ Alozie gives a helping hand as Salgado is being strethered out of the pitch.

Salgado was later diagnosed with a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg and underwent successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital.

“Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery,” said Banyana Banyana team doctor Lindi Mokoena in a statement released by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

 “She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF, and the hospital staff.”

The incident drew widespread sympathy and support. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also extended words of comfort to Salgado, commending her bravery and resilience.

“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury,” Ramaphosa said.

“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well.”

In a gesture widely praised across the continent, the Super Falcons of Nigeria visited Salgado in hospital after the match, reinforcing the power of football to unite beyond rivalries.

Before their visit, the Nigerian team had already sent her messages of support via social media.

Their act of kindness struck a chord globally, as fans lauded both teams for exemplifying the values of compassion and unity in the face of adversity.

As former South African President Nelson Mandela once said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

Indeed, the events in Casablanca proved once again that football is more than just a game—it is a powerful force for humanity.

-CAFonline

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The WAFCON 2024 has reached the business end with hosts Morocco booking their spot in a second consecutive final where they will face nine-time record African champions Nigeria on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. 

This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON with the Atlas Lionesses emerging victorious in their last meeting: a 5-4 win after a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals of the WAFCON 2022 in Rabat. 

Rookies to serious title contenders

When Morocco embarked on an intentional Women’s Football Strategy five years ago, winning major trophies was part of the plan. And ahead of this weekend’s final, it is not a surprise to any Moroccan that the team is standing up tall against the best teams in Africa.

Prior to the 2022 edition, Morocco had made two appearances at the continent’s biggest showpiece amassing a win and a draw in two editions – in 1998 and 2000 while conceding 22 goals and scoring five. In their third appearance – this time at home in front of their fans, they went to the final but fell to a very well-oiled South African side 1-2.  

They are back now – bigger, stronger and ready to fight again and give something to their fans who have filled the Olympic Stadium to the brim every match day in Rabat.

The leadership of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the individual brilliance and growth of Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui within the team collective has been a revelation to the Moroccan fans who are now scrambling to buy tickets for the final to witness what could be history – a first WAFCON title. They believe their dreams are valid. 

An AFCON title in 1976 for the Atlas Lions is the best Morocco has amassed coupled with a first ever semifinal finish for an African team at a FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is what the current generation can relate to as success for their football teams on the global scene. 

The weight of these dreams is what the Atlas Lionesses believe they can deliver when they come up against a resilient and dominant Nigerian outfit. 

Their journey in 2025 has been yet another fairytale – coming from behind twice to hold a strong Zambian side to a 2-2 draw in their opener to seeing off DR Congo 4-2 thanks to a Chebbak hattrick before edging Senegal 1-0 in a tightly contested game to finish top of Group A. 

The Atlas Lionesses looked comfortable as they cruised to a convincing 3-1 win against Mali to set up a date with Ghana in the semifinals. The Black Queens tested their resolve on the day, taking the game to extra time and penalties. It took goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi’s magic to deny teenage sensation Comfort Yeboah and an Evelyn Badu miss earlier for the Atlas Lionesses to progress to the coveted final. 

In their journey to the final, Morocco have scored an impressive 11 goals while conceding in every match they have played – a total of six goals. Er-Rmichi is yet to keep a clean sheet. 

Whatever happens, Morocco have shown once again that they belong to the big stage after years of building a team that is hungry to write history. 

Mission X in sight

Social media has been abuzz with talk of a Mission X for the Super Falcons of Nigeria for months now. All stakeholders are locked in on this undertaking. For the players, they have shown that they are the team to beat every time that they have stepped onto the field. 

Group B leaders after three games with seven points from a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory over Botswana and a goalless draw with Algeria.

The Super Falcons booked their place in the quarterfinals marking a 13^th straight time that they have made it out of the group stages at the WAFCON since the first edition of the continent’s biggest showpiece in 1998

A convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia in the last eight in what was anticipated to be a tightly contested encounter sent a clear message to any doubters that the Super Falcons are not only the most decorated team on the African continent – female or male but they are also serious title contenders. 

At the heart of this campaign, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has proven that pedigree is what sets Nigeria apart. The team also thrives on their hunger for more success year in, year out.

The 25-year-old plays for Atletico Madrid in Spain. She has earned three Woman of the Match Awards in five games. She is the only player to achieve this at the current edition.

Ajibade won her first WAFCON in 2018 at the age of 18. She will be key to her team’s search for a 10^th continental title. This will further extend their dominance in Africa. 

Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu, however, will also have to rely on the experience of the old guard. This includes the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has only conceded once this edition.

The only goal against her was a penalty from South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo. He will also count on the hunger of WAFCON debutants who have impressed so far. One standout is ‘assist Queen’, Esther Okoronkwo, who has amassed four assists in five games. 

The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles. To say that this has been impressive over the last 12 editions is an understatement.

However, against Morocco on Saturday, they will not only look for their 10^th title but will also be motivated to protect their legacy. 

-CAFonline