Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has expressed concern over the use of laser pointers by Moroccan fans during Nigeria's triumphant 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday, where the Nigerian team secured a 3-2 victory.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Madugu revealed that both players and coaching staff were targeted by laser pointers throughout the match, though he emphasized that the team remained focused despite the disruption.
"In fact the lasers were not applied on the players alone, even myself. They kept pointing those lasers at me," Madugu said. "It did not have any effect on them. You could see even when the lasers were coming nobody bothered about it, we kept going and remained focused on the game."
The coach questioned the appropriateness of such behavior in professional football, adding, "I don't know if it is proper that this type of situation should continue. I don't think it is proper."
Despite the distractions, the Super Falcons displayed remarkable resilience to claim their 10th WAFCON trophy. The victory has generated widespread celebration across Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to receive the victorious team in Abuja on Monday.
The triumph has also drawn praise from prominent figures including World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commended the team's "thrilling performance," and Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, who praised the team for "rising from the dead" to secure the win.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has also applauded the Super Falcons for their outstanding achievement in bringing home the continental trophy once again, further cementing Nigeria's dominance in women's football across Africa.
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