There has been widespread debate across African football circles following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award the 2024 Best Women’s Coach accolade to TP Mazembe head coach, Lamia Boumehdi, ahead of Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu.
Madugu, who guided Nigeria to victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), was among the nominees for the prestigious award and was widely tipped as a frontrunner following the Falcons’ dominant campaign on the continent.
However, CAF’s announcement in favour of Boumehdi who led TP Mazembe to a third-place finish in the CAF Women’s Champions League sparked immediate reactions from fans and analysts alike.
On social media platforms, many supporters questioned the criteria used by CAF’s technical panel, arguing that winning Africa’s top national team competition should carry greater weight than a club’s third-place continental finish.
Several fans described the decision as “unfair” and “difficult to justify,” with some accusing CAF of inconsistency in its awards process.
Football analyst and former Nigeria international, speaking to local media, said the controversy reflects a long-standing concern over transparency in CAF awards.
“WAFCON is the pinnacle of women’s football in Africa at national team level. Leading a team to that title is a massive achievement, and many expected it to be rewarded,” the analyst noted.
However, other voices have urged caution. A women’s football development advocate pointed out that CAF often considers long-term impact, tactical innovation, and club development when assessing nominees.
“Boumehdi has been praised for building a competitive structure at TP Mazembe and elevating the club’s continental profile. CAF may have looked beyond just trophies,” the source explained.
In response to the growing criticism, a CAF official, quoted by regional sports media, defended the selection process, stating that the awards are based on a combination of technical assessment, competition level, consistency, and overall contribution to the game.
The official added that all nominees were “deserving winners in their own right.”
Justin Madugu himself reacted calmly to being snubbed for the award, saying it’s “not the end of life” and maintaining a positive outlook despite the disappointment.
Despite the explanations, the debate has continued, with many Nigerian fans insisting that Madugu’s WAFCON triumph and his nomination for the global Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach category should have tilted the balance in his favour.
As discussions rage on, the controversy has once again highlighted calls for CAF to make its awards criteria more transparent, particularly as women’s football continues to grow in visibility and importance across the continent.
Whether Madugu was truly “robbed” remains a matter of opinion, but the reaction underscores the high expectations placed on Africa’s football governing body to ensure fairness and clarity in its recognitions.
