Super Falcons coach, Justine Madugu, may not be charismatic like other coaches, yet he turned out to be the one who saw tomorrow with his predictions and analysis of the Super Falcons as they came back from the ‘dead’ to maul Morocco 3-2 to lift their 10th title of WAFCON.

The man, who had been on the hot seat, had displayed an uncommon faith in the players and in his strategy. Despite the pressure, he continued to tell everybody to ‘calm down.’

Madugu revealed that self-belief and mental resilience were key to the historic win.

“We knew we could do it. When we were two goals down, we kept encouraging the players not to lose their confidence. If they didn’t have that mental resilience, they would have given up. We did a lot of talking at halftime,” he said.

The coach further explained that their initial game plan backfired, leading to the early goals conceded, but swift tactical adjustments made the difference.

“We had a game plan, but what we wanted to avoid led to the two goals, so we had to make the necessary changes,” Madugu added.

Irrepressible Esther Okoronkwo who made her debut in Morocco and became the livewire of the team with her menacing runs and distribution of the passes that caused panic at the opponent’s backline, has hailed the resilience of the team.

“It’s my first time with the team, but we struck the right cord from the first training. The girls had confidence and insisted that they were going for the trophy. Even when we were down, we talked to ourselves and agreed to work for each other. Unity to be real, must stand the severest strain without breaking. Truly, unity remained our strongest weapon and it paid off. I’m so happy. Credit must be given to our coach who treated us like his daughters and impacted on us.”

Alozie Mitchell, the medical researcher who plays for the Houston Dash in the NWSL and accounted for Nigeria’s winning goal against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semifinals, said that the Nigerian never-say-die spirit propelled them to achieve what people consider as impossible. ‘’There’s nothing that a Nigerian wants that he/she cannot achieve. It has been a positive force that drove us to achieving the ultimate.

Tinubu to receive victorious Super Falcons in Abuja today

President Bola Tinubu will host the victorious Super Falcons and officials of the Nigerian female football team at the State House in Abuja on Monday.

The Super Falcons are expected to arrive Nigeria from Morocco later on Sunday night.

Gbenga Hasim hails Super Falcons' WAFCON triumph as symbol of national resurgence

It is expected that the players and their officials would be rewarded handsomely by the President.

Tinubu, it would be recalled, approved the payment of the team’s outstanding bonuses and allowances on the eve of the Saturday’s final with hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.

The Super Falcons rallied from two goals down to beat the North Africans 3-2 in the game.

Soon after the team’s historic feat in Morocco Saturday night, President Tinubu spent time speaking with the players via video call.

During the chat, the President assured the Super Falcons of a befitting celebration upon their return from Morocco, where the team won the WAFCON title for a record-extending 10th time.

He told the players, “As a team, we are very proud of you; the entire nation is proud of you. You lifted our spirits, and we are all very happy.

“You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and the management of the team, including the ministers and officials.

“To set the record of victories for the 10th time is not a small feat for the country and the continent as a whole. Safe journey back home, enjoy yourselves and avoid injuries,” Tinubu said.

The President hailed Rasheedat Ajibade, who emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and clinched the Woman of the Tournament award.

He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a crucial moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which sparked a dramatic comeback, as “very courageous.”

Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.

“Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,” the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with “Thank you, Mr. President!”

It could be recalled that President Tinubu rewarded the Super Eagles with national honours, cash and plots of land in Abuja when they earned a runners-up medal at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast last year

It was the 10th time the Super Falcons have won the WAFCON title. (Vanguard)