Super Falcons of Nigeria, head coach, Justine Madugu, has praised his players for their mental strength following their dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday.
The match saw Super Falcons relinquish a first-half lead before clinching the winner in stoppage time, courtesy of Michelle Alozie’s lofted ball that floated over everyone into the net.
But for Madugu, the real story lies in how his players responded when their confidence was briefly shaken after South Africa equalised from the penalty spot in the second half.
“The players’ morale was briefly shaken when we conceded, but they quickly regrouped, believed in themselves, and stayed focused,” the coach told journalists. “We reminded them that the match isn’t over until the final whistle. Opportunities would still come, and we had to take them.”
Ajibade had earlier given Nigeria the lead just before halftime via the penalty spot. South Africa, however, found their way back through Linda Motlhalo after Osinachi Ohale was penalised for dragging down Hildah Magaia in the box.
Madugu admitted the game temporarily slipped out of Nigeria’s grasp in the second half, forcing a reset from the touchline.
“At some point, we lost control and became careless, that was frustrating, but as a coach, you must stay composed and focus on encouraging your players, not adding to their pressure. We gathered them, reminded them of what was at stake, and they responded well,” he explained.
The defining moment came late into added time, when Alozie’s high ball, intended as a cross, sailed past South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and sealed Nigeria’s place in the final for a potential 10th WAFCON title.
Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade broke down in tears and couldn’t speak to the media post-match. Madugu linked that moment to the intense emotional and physical toll the match had taken.
“The game was intense, and when you work hard to achieve something and succeed, emotions overflow,” he said. “Gabriella’s injury was painful. Everyone was concerned, even the opposing bench. We pray for her full recovery.”
On the opposing side, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis firmly denied any suggestion that her side had aimed to stretch the match to penalties, insisting Banyana Banyana came with a winning mindset.
“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” she said at the post-match press conference.
Though Ellis’ side became the first team to score against Nigeria in this tournament, and had famously defeated the Falcons during the 2022 group stage, it was not enough this time around. Their title defence ends in heartbreak.
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