Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu believes Nigeria remain the benchmark in African women’s football, but insists maintaining that status requires continuous improvement rather than relying on past achievements.
Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline, the WAFCON-winning coach said the Super Falcons’ success has been built on a culture of constant development, collective commitment and an understanding that every new tournament presents fresh challenges.
Madugu warned that being Africa’s most successful women’s national team also comes with enormous pressure, as every opponent raises its level whenever Nigeria are on the other side of the pitch.
“The next WAFCON will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so our priority will first be to ensure that we make it to the World Cup,” he said.
“The second goal will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria.”
The coach acknowledged that remaining champions is often more difficult than becoming champions, especially after the Super Falcons reclaimed the continental crown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“We know it won’t be easy because as champions everybody will now be looking at us,” Madugu explained.
“We are holding something precious that everybody wants.”
Despite that reality, the veteran tactician believes Nigeria possess the mentality needed to remain at the summit provided the team refuses to become complacent.
“We will remain resolute and focused and try as much as possible to achieve both objectives,” he added.
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Madugu also stressed that the Super Falcons have not reached their full potential despite their recent success.
Rather than celebrating past accomplishments, the technical crew have continued analysing performances to identify areas that require improvement.
“We are not a perfect team yet,” he admitted.
“We have made a lot of observations… and we know there is always room for improvement.”
According to the coach, that willingness to keep learning has become one of the defining characteristics of Nigeria’s women’s national team.
He believes sustained excellence depends on honest self-assessment, hard work and refusing to assume previous success guarantees future victories.
Madugu also highlighted the importance of creating a strong team culture, explaining that unity off the pitch has consistently translated into better performances during major competitions.
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The Super Falcons’ family atmosphere, shared responsibility and collective ambition and an unrelenting desire to improve he said, continue to separate Nigeria from many of their continental rivals.
