Justine Madugu, the 61-year-old Nigeria head coach, has set his sights on a successful defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after guiding the Super Falcons to a record 10th crown in Morocco in July. The triumph earned him a place on the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist for women’s team coach of the year.
Madugu’s journey to the top has been unconventional. A library science graduate from Bayero University in Kano, he spent 12 years as an assistant coach before taking charge in September 2024. Growing up in Kaduna as the eldest of six children, he faced opposition from his father, a former army regimental sergeant-major, over his choice of career. “Because of my involvement in football, I was seen as an unserious person by my family,” he said.
Now, with a Wafcon winner’s bonus of more than $100,000 from the Nigerian government and a two-year contract extension until October 2027, Madugu is determined to maintain the standards his team have set. “What we achieved at the last Wafcon is in the past,” he said. “We have to look forward, as we know there will be a higher challenge.”
Madugu has signalled a change in tactical approach, preferring an attacking style to the more defensive setups under previous coaches Thomas Dennerby and Randy Waldrum. “As Africans, as Nigerians, we love expressing ourselves,” he said. “When you defend and you regain possession, what do you do? You attack.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, for which the 2026 Wafcon serves as a qualifier, Madugu believes Nigeria can become serious contenders. He emphasised the need for improved facilities and player welfare, and pointed to encouraging past results against Australia and England. Beyond trophies, he stressed the importance of developing players holistically, noting that “there is always life after football” and the need to instil values.
