'Not just the players, I was targeted too' – Super Falcons coach speaks out on laser pointer incidents

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has expressed his displeasure over the use of laser pointers by Moroccan fans during Nigeria’s comeback victory in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Saturday night.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Madugu criticized the disruptive behaviour of some fans, stating that the laser pointers were not only targeted at the players but also at him on the sidelines.

"In fact the lasers were not applied on the players alone, even myself. They kept pointing those lasers at me," Madugu said.

Despite the disruptive antics from the fans, Madugu stated that the team remained unfazed as they had prepared for such situations.

"But like I said earlier, we prepared for this situation and we knew it would happen. It was even less than in the last edition.

"It didn't 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 Super Falcons gaffer further condemned the act and called for improvements in subsequent editions.

"I don't know if it is proper that this type of situation should continue. I don't think it is proper."

The final, which ended with Nigeria lifting the trophy, was marred by controversial refereeing decisions.

Referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded Nigeria a penalty after a VAR review, which Esther Okonkwo converted to spark the Falcons’ comeback.

However, Twanyanyukwa denied Morocco a late penalty after another VAR check in the final 10 minutes, infuriating the home supporters.

When asked about the officiating, Madugu refrained from directly criticizing the referee.

"In terms of officiating, I didn't have the privilege to have a second look at the incident.

"So, I wouldn't be in the proper position to judge their performance or the decision of the referee in that regard.

"It was their duty to make those decisions, which they did. I believe that those decisions were not the right decisions, she wouldn't have awarded the penalty or denied what Moroccans feel is a deserved penalty from their side."

With Nigeria crowned champions once again, Madugu hopes for a better atmosphere when Morocco hosts the next edition of the tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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