Tense Moments! Coach Madugu Reveals Super Falcons’ Morale Crisis Before Beating South Africa

The Super Falcons surrendered a first-half advantage but dramatically reclaimed victory in stoppage time, thanks to Michelle Alozie’s lofted ball that floated past everyone and found the net.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, for Coach Justin Madugu, the defining narrative was how his team mentally bounced back after South Africa leveled the score with a second-half penalty.

“Our players’ morale dipped after the equaliser, but they quickly pulled themselves together, stayed determined, and remained focused,” Madugu told reporters. “We reminded them that the game isn’t over until the final whistle and that chances would still come — we just had to seize them.”

Earlier, Rasheedat Ajibade had put Nigeria ahead from the spot just before halftime. But South Africa clawed back into the match when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty after Osinachi Ohale was flagged for dragging Hildah Magaia in the box.

Madugu acknowledged that Nigeria briefly lost their grip on the game in the second half, which demanded an urgent tactical and emotional reset from the sidelines.

“At a point, we lost control and made avoidable errors, which was frustrating. But as a coach, it’s important to stay calm and keep encouraging your players instead of adding pressure,” he said. “We regrouped them, reminded them of the goal, and they responded brilliantly.”

The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion during added time as Alozie’s high cross, likely intended for a teammate, beat goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and secured Nigeria’s place in the WAFCON final — bringing them one step closer to a record-extending 10th title.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was overwhelmed by emotion after the final whistle and couldn’t speak to the press. Madugu attributed her tears to the emotional and physical toll the match demanded.

“It was a highly charged game. When you invest so much and succeed, emotions naturally spill over,” he explained. “Gabriella’s injury was tough to witness — everyone was worried, including the South African bench. We’re hoping and praying for her speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s coach, Desiree Ellis, dismissed suggestions that her team had played for penalties, stating that Banyana Banyana had come determined to win.

“We wanted victory. Had we taken our chances, the result might have been different,” she said.

Despite scoring the first goal against Nigeria in this year’s tournament — and having beaten the Falcons in the 2022 group stage — South Africa’s title defense ended in disappointment.