Madugu Plans Tactical Shake-Up for Portugal Clash

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has promised a revised tactical approach ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal on 23 June. The match will be held in Lisbon, and Madugu is keen to ensure his team puts on a vastly improved performance.

The Nigerian side, currently preparing for the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco this July, is aiming to build momentum following their emphatic 2-0 win over Cameroon in Abeokuta. That victory, according to Madugu, was the result of disciplined execution of training ground routines and tireless commitment from his players.

The coach, reflecting on previous struggles against European opposition including recent losses to France, Spain, Japan, and Brazil stressed the need for adaptability. “We will face each game based on the opposition,” he said. “We’ll try different strategies to see which one fits our team better.”

Madugu dismissed the notion that the victory over Cameroon was easy, insisting it was earned through hard work and focus. “It was a good game, and the girls tried to put in a lot of what we’ve been working on,” he explained. “However, we are not yet a finished product. It’s still work in progress.”

He acknowledged the immense expectations placed on the Super Falcons as Nigeria’s most decorated national team and vowed to continue evolving the squad to meet those standards. “We’re not unmindful of Nigerians’ expectations. The Super Falcons is one of the most successful teams in our country’s history, so each match comes with high demands.”

Editorial

There is something refreshingly pragmatic about Justin Madugu’s leadership of the Super Falcons. In an era when managers often hide behind excuses or over-promise on immediate success, Madugu is transparent: his team is still under construction. Yet what sets him apart is the clarity of vision and his willingness to adapt, evolve, and experiment.

We must admit that Nigeria’s recent record against top-tier opposition hasn’t been flattering. From France to Spain, the Falcons have struggled to impose themselves. But the key difference now is that we have a coach who isn’t pretending the team is flawless. Instead, he’s building systems based on the opponent — and more importantly, on the unique qualities within his squad.

This kind of honesty is what the Falcons have long needed. The team’s legacy is immense, but reputation alone does not win matches. The gap between Africa and Europe in women’s football has narrowed significantly, and unless Nigeria takes innovation seriously, it risks falling behind.

Madugu’s strategic refresh particularly ahead of the Portugal game — reflects a deep understanding of the stakes. It’s not just about friendlies or preparations for AWCON; it’s about re-establishing the Falcons as a dominant force globally. Each tweak in formation, every lineup adjustment, is a brick laid in the foundation of a stronger future.

What’s exciting is that we’re beginning to see real progress. The victory over Cameroon wasn’t just a morale booster it was a sign that his methods are starting to take root. Let’s give this process the time and patience it deserves. Madugu may just be the steady hand the Super Falcons need to rise again.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won the African Women’s Cup of Nations a record 11 times.
2. Portugal’s women’s national team reached their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
3. The last time Nigeria beat a top-20 ranked FIFA women’s team in Europe was in 2017 against Sweden.
4. The Super Falcons’ captain, Onome Ebi, has played in six different Women’s World Cup tournaments.
5. Lisbon’s Estádio do Restelo, one of the potential venues for the Portugal friendly, was once used by Real Madrid for a Champions League match in the early 2000s.