File: Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has described Nigeria’s shock 3-2 defeat to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debutants Malawi as a timely wake-up call, insisting criticism over his team selection and player positioning was inevitable after a loss, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Madugu accepted responsibility for one of Nigeria’s most surprising defeats in WAFCON history, but rejected suggestions that deploying players outside their preferred positions had contributed to the result. One of the major talking points after the match was his decision to field Michelle Alozie at left-back, a call that drew criticism from supporters and pundits, though the coach maintained it was not responsible for Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
“When things like this happen, everybody has their opinion. Everybody is entitled to say whatever they say,” Madugu told reporters.
“If we had won, the comments people would be making would not be the same.”
