Nigeria Super Falcons coaching staff dismissal

Following Nigeria’s progression to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu addressed public criticism regarding team performance. Madugu described coaching the women’s side as a “thankless job” and stated he would use useful feedback to improve the team while maintaining that player selection would be based on tactical needs.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently dismissed Madugu and his entire technical crew. This decision followed the team’s quarter-final defeat by Cameroon, which prevented automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After losing a subsequent playoff match against South Africa, the team failed to secure an automatic tournament spot. This failure marks the first time the Super Falcons will miss a Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

In response to the team's performance, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has inaugurated a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the causes of the national teams' recent struggles. Chaired by former NFF Technical Director Fanny Amun, the committee includes former players Desire Oparanozie and Mutiu Adepoju. The panel has been tasked with providing practical solutions to the challenges facing Nigerian football. Amidst the overhaul, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade issued an apology to fans, acknowledging the pain caused by the team's absence from the upcoming global tournament.