WAFCON final: Coach Madugu breaks silence on dropping Babajide

DDM News

(DDM) – Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has explained his decision to bench former Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide during the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that despite Babajide’s impressive display in the group stage, where she scored and provided an assist in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia, the 25-year-old forward has played only 13 minutes since that game.

Her last appearance came in a short second-half substitution during Nigeria’s win over Algeria, leaving fans puzzled over her limited role in the team.

Speaking to journalists ahead of Nigeria’s final clash with host nation Morocco, Coach Madugu addressed the issue head-on.

He insisted that team selection decisions were based on tactical strategies and overall group dynamics, not individual brilliance.

“It’s a team thing, not about an individual; it’s about the team,” Madugu stated.

He praised Babajide’s attitude and influence in the dressing room, emphasizing her behind-the-scenes contributions.

“The fact that she has not been on the field of play does not mean she has not been playing well,” he explained.

“She has been instrumental in motivating the players, trying to get them to understand what is at stake. She has been fully supportive of everything we do.”

The coach also hinted that Babajide could still be featured in the upcoming final.

“She could have a role to play tomorrow,” he added, leaving room for a surprise selection in the match-day squad.

Instead of Babajide, Madugu has so far opted to start the attacking trio of Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo, who have collectively delivered strong performances throughout the knockout stages.

Rinsola Babajide, who last played for Liverpool before moving abroad, has been one of Nigeria’s rising stars in women’s football and was expected to have a bigger role in the tournament.

Her fans had taken to social media expressing frustration over her limited minutes, particularly after her impressive start to the campaign.

Nigeria, nine-time WAFCON champions, face Morocco in what is expected to be a tense and historic final on Saturday night.

Madugu’s team has remained unbeaten in the tournament, defeating tough opponents like South Africa and Cameroon on their path to the final.

As the team gears up for the showdown, attention will be on whether Babajide gets a chance to contribute on the pitch, or whether her support from the sidelines remains her most valuable contribution in the eyes of the coaching staff.

Regardless of the outcome, her situation highlights the difficult choices coaches must make in pursuit of continental glory.

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