Madugu replies critics after Zambia win

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has dismissed criticism following Nigeria's 3-2 defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Madugu, who came under scrutiny over his team selection, tactics, and decision to play some players out of position, has made several changes for Saturday's crucial 1-0 win over Zambia.

The coach restored Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe to the starting lineup, while Shukurat Oladipo came on as a substitute and Rofiat Imuran was handed a starting role. Madugu admitted that the team had made mistakes against Malawi but said the response against Zambia showed the benefit of learning from those errors.

Despite playing with 10 players from the 40th minute following Tosin Demehin's red card, Asisat Oshoala's eighth-minute strike proved decisive as the Falcons secured the win. Madugu emphasized that criticism is a part of the job and that he must learn to deal with it as a coach.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.