Super Falcons coach, Justine Madugu, says Nigeria’s biggest challenge is developing the willpower to emulate Morocco’s investment in sporting infrastructure.
Madugu spoke in Morocco on the sidelines of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations draw ceremony.
Nigeria were drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
Responding to journalists, Madugu expressed hope that Nigerian sports administrators and stakeholders would intensify efforts to improve facilities nationwide.
“We pray that our administrators, philanthropists and stakeholders will be inspired by what is happening in Morocco and emulate it.
“It is not beyond our capacity to do what Morocco is doing; the real challenge is the willpower,” Madugu said.
He described Morocco’s infrastructure drive as encouraging, noting that global attention has rewarded the country’s heavy investments.
“You can see how their efforts translate into strong performances by their teams at all levels,” he said.
Madugu welcomed the presence of various state house of assembly members at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am sure they will pick ideas to replicate back home. That should be the starting point if we want to get it right,” he said.
His remarks follow criticism from fans accusing the Confederation of African Football of favouring Morocco.
The criticism intensified after Nigeria’s semi-final loss to the hosts, with many blaming alleged poor officiating.
Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala, also questioned CAF’s relationship with Morocco.
“The big question is when this @CAF_Online compensation to Morocco will end. It’s getting boring now,” she wrote on X.
“We need other countries to step up. Everything in African football seems to happen in Morocco,” Oshoala added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for March 17 to Apr. 6 in Morocco.
