Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu says he is unfazed by criticism of his selection, tactics and use of players during Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Madugu came under scrutiny following the shock defeat to the debutants, with questions raised over his team selection, tactics and decision to play some players out of position.

The coach responded with several changes for Saturday’s crucial 1-0 win over Zambia, including restoring Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe to the starting line-up.

Shukurat Oladipo, who had initially been dropped to the bench, also came on during the game and put in an impressive shift, while Rofiat Imuran was handed a starting role.

Asisat Oshoala’s eighth-minute strike proved decisive as the Falcons secured the win despite playing with 10 players from the 40th minute following Tosin Demehin’s straight red card.

Madugu admitted that the team had made several mistakes against Malawi but said the response against Zambia showed the benefit of learning from those errors.

“Sometimes you have bad days and things don’t work. We made so many mistakes in the previous game, and we had a better game plan in the next game and we have the result,” Madugu said during the post-match interview.

“For criticism, it is something we must learn to deal with as a coach because you cannot please everybody and everybody sees football from a different perspective. It’s just for you to believe in what you do. You must be ready to take the blame for anything that happens.”

Madugu was handed a new contract by the Nigeria Football Federation in October last year after guiding the team to a 10th WAFCON triumph.

The coach will now hope to lead the Falcons to a successful title defence and an 11th continental crown, while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Last year, Madugu was nominated among the best coaches in the world for the Ballon d’Or.