Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justin Madugu, has shed light on the difficult decisions and meticulous considerations that went into finalizing the national team’s latest squad list, amid growing public debate and scrutiny.

 

In a candid interview, Madugu addressed the concerns and questions surrounding player selections, emphasizing the complexity of the process and the range of factors that shaped the final list.

 

“Well, it has not been easy,” Madugu admitted. “When you are looking at the abundance of talents that we have in the country, for you to come up with the list that we just came up with, has not been very easy for us.”

 

According to the coach, the selection process involved in-depth analysis of each player, including form, experience, skill set, and suitability within the team’s tactical framework.

 

“There have been so many challenges that we have to deal with. You have to do a lot of analysis on each of the players, along with so many other factors that you must take into consideration—the performances of the players, and so many other issues before you arrive at conclusions like this.”

 

With fans and analysts voicing strong opinions about players who made the cut—and those who did not—Madugu acknowledged the inevitable diversity of opinions in a football-loving nation like Nigeria.

 

“It is only natural that everybody will have his opinion as to the list that was made available. It’s not possible for one of us in Nigeria to do a list, and then you have the list coming out to be the same with everybody.”

 

Despite the external pressures, the coach stood by the decisions taken by his technical team.

 

“People are attacking their opinion, but we know a lot of the considerations that we had to look at before arriving at what we did. It might not be the best for everybody, but we felt we have done the best that we can, looking at the challenge that is before us.”

 

He also reinforced that the selection was based on a blend of merit and strategic alignment.

 

“Apparently it was based on form, based on experience and skills. There are so many things you take into consideration—playing positions, player strengths, weaknesses, and how they fit into your plans and philosophy.”

 

Responding to the clamor around players who were left out, Madugu stayed diplomatic, choosing not to dwell on omissions.

 

“It’s not in my character to ask about who is left out or who is in the team. As long as you are confident about your team.”

 

The Super Falcons are gearing up for a critical phase in their campaign, and Madugu’s remarks provide insight into the deliberate and challenging process behind building a squad capable of delivering on Nigeria’s footballing ambitions.