WAFCON 2026: Madugu dismisses tactics criticism ahead Super Falcons vs Zambia

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has shrugged off criticism following his team’s defeat to the Scorchers of Malawi.

The gaffer was questioned for his tactical approach in Nigeria’s shocking 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi on Tuesday night.

It was the Super Falcons first defeat to debutants in WAFCON history.

The 61-year-old claimed that he is not moved by critics.

“They are questioning my technical and tactical ability because we lost a game. But was the Malawi game the first I have handled with the Super Falcons. It was not the first game. I have handled several other matches that we won. Nobody questioned that,” Madugu told a press conference on Friday.

“The fact is that we know what we are doing. We are focused, and looking ahead. Like I said the last game we played was not the only we played at the WAFCON. We played in the tournament in 2024, and we won. Because we lost one game, people are questioning the tactics. It is within their rights to do so. I don’t have any problem with that.”

Madugu insisted that the players are focused on the game against Zambia.

“The feeling is good, everyone is looking very bright. We have put behind us the disappointment of the last game. We are looking forward to the game against Zambia,” he added.