On a big Saturday night in Morocco, the Super Falcons pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, clawing back from two goals down to defeat the host nation 3-2 and reclaim their place at the top of African women’s football.

But behind that comeback was a man few Nigerians expected to be in charge when the tournament began: Justine Madugu.

For years, Madugu was a familiar name only within coaching circles. Now, he’s at the center of a fairy tale, the 61-year-old interim coach who guided Nigeria back to glory after years in the shadows.

Justin Madugu’s game-changer from the bench

With the Falcons trailing 2-0 in the final, Nigeria’s dream of another WAFCON title looked dead. A local newspaper had already declared Morocco champions. But Madugu wasn’t done. 

At the 59th minute, he made two key substitutions that completely flipped the script. His tactical changes brought new energy to the squad, and as the minutes ticked by, the Falcons fought back. 

The winning goal, a late strike by Jennifer Echegini in the 88th minute, sealed a dramatic turnaround.

That moment not only secured the trophy but confirmed Madugu’s status as a master tactician, one who reads the game, not just watches it.

Madugu’s long road to the top

Madugu didn’t burst onto the scene overnight. His story stretches back to 1987, when he was coaching amateur sides like Fashanu Babes. 

Over the years, he worked quietly, taking charge of local clubs including Adamawa United and FC Taraba, building a career far from the spotlight. 

He slowly worked his way through the national team system, serving with Nigeria’s youth squads, the Falconets and Flamingos before becoming an assistant coach for the senior team in 2012.

He was on the bench for four WAFCON tournaments, witnessing Nigeria’s highs and lows. 

He celebrated the team’s 2014 and 2018 titles. He endured the heartbreak of 2022, when the team finished a disappointing fourth. And now, in 2024, he’s the man lifting the trophy.

He is a scholar of the game

Madugu is not just experienced, he’s highly educated. He holds two master’s degrees, one in Sports Psychology and another in Sports Management. 

He’s also earned CAF’s highest coaching badge, the ‘A’ License. This background shows in the way he manages his team with calmness, clarity, and strategy.

Throughout the tournament, his decisions often raised eyebrows. Against Tunisia, he made three substitutions at halftime, even though the Falcons were already up 3-0. 

Some saw it as risky. But to Madugu, it was about setting standards and ensuring focus. In the final, he benched star forward Asisat Oshoala, a move many coaches would hesitate to make. Yet it paid off, showing he was unafraid to put the team above individual names.

The Super Falcons is a team that never quits

Under Madugu, the Super Falcons became a team that fought until the final whistle. In game after game, they scored late winners in the 89th minute against Botswana, the 88th minute versus South Africa, and again in the 88th against Morocco. 

That resilience didn’t happen by chance. It came from belief, preparation, and a coach who instilled mental toughness.

His tactical switch to push Esther Okoronkwo forward in the final delivered one goal and two assists. Against Zambia, his set-piece plans dismantled their defense. With each game, Madugu showed he wasn’t just filling in, he was leading.

What’s next for Nigeria’s miracle coach?

Madugu’s WAFCON triumph has sparked debate. When American coach Randy Waldrum left in 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) named Madugu interim coach, just a temporary fix while they looked abroad. 

But with 11 wins, two draws, and only one loss (a narrow defeat to France), he has made a strong case for a permanent role.

Now, the big question remains: will the NFF back the man who delivered the goods, or will they go back to chasing foreign names?

Whatever the decision, one thing is clear, Justine Madugu has earned his place in Nigerian football history. From forgotten coach to WAFCON champion, his story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the right answer is closer than we think.