Justin Madugu’s elevation to quasi-head coach of the Super Falcons was a case of the NFF’s insufferable resignation to its poor financial state and the ‘small stakes’ involved in the 2024 WAFCON.
Yet, it dared not hand the 61 year-old legal documents to confirm any appointment , and as such Madugu was designated only as interim to lead the Falcons to Morocco, while the desirable is unavailable.
It may seem like a conspiracy theory, but it’s also hard to argue in the contrary with all parties completely taciturn about the situation and intentionally too.
If his contract matter is a bother, you couldn’t tell because the veteran Coach has gone about his job in Morocco with an acolyte-like devotion and almost unwavering patriotism.
His team blitzed through the group stages; recording two wins and a draw, despite Nigeria’s characteristically poor preparation for the WAFCON – to which the Coach was blasé about.
Madugu then orchestrated two impressive wins against emerging African powerhouses, Zambia and South Africa, to book Nigeria’s place in the final, and on the verge of a 10th championship title.
The former U17 and U20 WNT assistant coach had deputized in past WAFCON tournaments, where the Super Falcons were crowned twice.
He could go on to become the most decorated coach – technically – if Nigeria edge hosts, Morocco in Saturday’s final in Rabat.
Madugu would urge his players to go again one more time, and whilst the gaffer deserves his flowers, the Ladies are and have been the true ‘Odogwu’.
They’ve had trained without practice ground kits all through the campaign until the semis.
In addition, there’s the unattended case of unpaid allowances and then the small matter of the obnoxious proposed sharing formula for the prize money which will see the lion share go to the NFF.
Although it’s not uncommon, but the team has shown that these matters won’t be a distraction until their ultimate goal is achieved.
There’s camaraderie and support within the group, a fine band and blend of the experienced players guiding Nigeria’s future stars and veterans understanding their roles on and off the pitch.
For that balance and discipline, Madugu must also be given credit. His management and leadership style has helped the team navigate some initial tricky turns – including Asisat Oshoala’s remonstration after being subbed off against Botswana and subsequent bench role.
On the matter of his tactical style, Madugu has demonstrated he’s adaptable, and with arguably the best assemblage of individual qualities in the tournament, he has scored some high points so far.
The Super Falcons have been defensively solid, a trademark of the team he helped build under his former boss, Randy Waldrum.
Nigeria has conceded a goal from open play, and have been breached just once in their five matches so far.
In build up play, he has adapted based on the strength and weaknesses of the opposition; utilizing wing backs and the Center backs to play out from the rear.
His midfield, often marshalled by the reliable Halimatu Ayinde and anyone of Deborah Abiodun, Christie Ucheibe or Jennifer Echegini to provide cover or advance as attacking option while captain Rasheedat Ajibade serves as it’s creative hub, centrally.
After the group stages, following the difficulty of breaking down low blocks or double low blocks, Madugu switched his personnel upfront, dropping Rinsola Babajide, Oyedupe Payne and Oshoala to the bench.
The decision among other things was also to address questions of counter-pressing opponents in defensive transitions, as well as the small matter of fatigue given the long season for the ladies.
His injection of younger and faster players, with the added advantage of their unfamiliarity, it was clearly the X factor for Nigeria and has been in the latter stages of the tournament.
Chiwendu Ihezuo has scored three goals – two coming off the bench for Babajide.
Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi also got on the score sheet in their first starts for the team, which came in the quarterfinals against Zambia.
With only the Morocco test ahead of Madugu and his team, perhaps the coach will fancy a triumph as the final case for the job on a more permanent basis.
Achieving ‘la decima’ is the bare minimum, some NFF officials had suggested in the past, but more recently Nigeria’s dominant grip on the tournament has appeared buttery.
Yet it’s certain that Justin Madugu has restored pride and confidence in the Super Falcons, for which the man – interim or not – deserves due recognition.
