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Coaches and seasoned administrators heap praises on Justine Madugu after WAFCON success
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Following Nigeria’s triumphant victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the spotlight continues to shine on Coach Justine Madugu, whose leadership has been hailed as a catalyst for a new era of indigenous coaching excellence in Africa.
From respected former coaches to seasoned administrators, a growing chorus of voices is affirming Madugu’s transformational impact on the Nigeria’s senior women’s national team — and on African football at large.
“Madugu is intense, structured, and deeply focused,” said Christopher Danjuma, former head coach of Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, in an interview with CAFOnline.com.
“He’s what an African coach should be — tactically sound, mentally resilient, and visionary.”
Mansur Abdullahi, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, described Madugu’s success as a watershed moment for local coaches who have long waited for such validation.
“His win means everything for indigenous coaches. He’s been in the system since 2008. This is our time,” Abdullahi told CAFOnline.
Even international voices have echoed the sentiment. Thomas Dennerby, former Super Falcons head coach who led the team alongside Madugu to the 2018 WAFCON title, offered glowing praise.
“He’s a good and bright guy. I had a very good time with Justine,” said Dennerby.
“I’m not surprised at all. He made the players believe — that’s what good coaches do.”
Madugu’s achievement marks not just a trophy win, but a deeper shift in perception: African coaches can lead, inspire, and win — on their own terms.
His success is being celebrated as both a personal milestone and a collective victory for the coaching community in Nigeria and across the continent.
