Two things Madugu got right in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Zambia

Justine Madugu entered Nigeria’s second Group C game under enormous pressure but delivered in grand style, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Falcons had suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening fixture, leaving little room for error against a dangerous Zambia side boasting Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

The 1-0 victory at Stade El-Barid did not come without drama, especially after Oluwatosin Demehin’s first-half red card forced Nigeria to play with ten women for more than 50 minutes. Yet amid the adversity, Madugu made two decisions that ultimately proved decisive.

What Madugu got right in Nigeria’s win over Zambia

1. Starting Asisat Oshoala

One of the biggest criticisms after the defeat to Malawi centred on Nigeria’s blunt attack. Madugu responded by recalling veteran striker Asisat Oshoala to the starting XI, replacing the ineffective frontline that struggled to create meaningful chances in the tournament opener.

The decision paid dividends within eight minutes. Oshoala had already threatened moments earlier after being played through by Jennifer Echegini before pushing the ball too far ahead of herself.

She remained alert, however, and when a similar opportunity arrived shortly afterwards, the former Barcelona striker capitalised, forcing Hazel Nali into an error before the ball found the back of the net.

While the goal benefited from a ricochet off the goalkeeper, it came because Oshoala anticipated the through ball.

Beyond the goal, her movement stretched Zambia’s backline and gave Nigeria a focal point they lacked against Malawi. Rather than dropping deep, Oshoala consistently looked to run in behind defenders, forcing Zambia to defend closer to their own goal.

Madugu’s decision to trust experience over sentiment gave Nigeria the early advantage they needed to settle early nerves.

2. His substitutions transformed Nigeria’s defence

If Madugu’s team selection won Nigeria the lead, his in-game management protected it.

The contest changed completely in the 40th minute when Demehin was sent off after a VAR review following an incident involving Barbra Banda.

Many expected Zambia’s attacking stars to dominate the second half against a depleted Nigerian side, but Madugu reacted calmly.

Instead of abandoning his tactical structure, he gradually reshaped his team with well-timed substitutions.

Shukurat Oladipo was introduced shortly after the restart to inject fresh energy into the backline, helping Nigeria maintain compactness.

Later, Halimatu Ayinde’s experience brought composure in front of the backline, while Chiwendu Ihezuo provided an outlet whenever Nigeria managed to break forward.

Perhaps the boldest decision was withdrawing goalscorer Oshoala. Rather than chasing another goal, Madugu prioritised defensive balance, sacrificing attacking firepower to ensure Nigeria could survive Zambia’s pressure.

The changes frustrated Banda and Kundananji, who struggled to find clear openings despite enjoying numerical superiority for much of the second half.

Even when Zambia pushed bodies forward in the closing stages, Nigeria remained organised, limiting clear-cut opportunities before eventually sealing all three points.

A coach who learned from Malawi

The victory does not erase Nigeria’s disappointing defeat to Malawi, but it showed Madugu’s willingness to adjust.

He corrected his selection after the opening defeat, trusted one of Africa’s greatest-ever forwards to lead the line, and then managed the game well after the dismissal.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive because their head coach got both his biggest decisions right when it mattered most.