Madugu Apologises Over Super Falcons’ WAFCON Failure, Unfazed By Sack Threat
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), while insisting he is not worried about losing his job.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup were also dashed after the Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a decisive encounter. The result means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.
The setback came after the nine-time African champions were eliminated from the WAFCON in the quarter-finals by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.
Speaking to journalists after the disappointing campaign, Madugu accepted responsibility for the team’s failure and appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.
“I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup. It was not our intention. We came and did the best that we could, but our best was not good enough,” Madugu said.
“We are very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened.”
Madugu Not Afraid Of Sack
With calls mounting for his dismissal, Madugu said he would accept whatever decision the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) takes regarding his future.
The coach, however, insisted that the possibility of being sacked does not frighten him.
“I am not afraid of being sacked. To the glory of God, I have served my country. It was a privilege that was given to me,” he said.
Madugu also pointed to his record since taking charge, claiming he has overseen almost 28 matches, winning 19, drawing four and losing four.
He acknowledged, however, that the recent defeats came at crucial moments when expectations were high.
Missed Chances Cost Falcons
Explaining the loss to South Africa, Madugu blamed missed opportunities and lapses in concentration for the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.
According to him, Nigeria created enough opportunities but failed to convert them, while defensive mistakes allowed South Africa to punish them.
“We had chances, but conversion was another problem. We also made some little errors at the back, and they capitalised on that and got their goals,” he said.
Madugu added that the Super Falcons had control of the game at important stages but were undone by brief lapses in concentration.
“We had the game under control, but a momentary loss of concentration resulted in the kind of goals that we conceded,” he said.
The disappointing WAFCON campaign has intensified scrutiny of Madugu’s position, with former players and football stakeholders already calling for a change in the technical leadership
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup were also dashed after the Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a decisive encounter. The result means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.
The setback came after the nine-time African champions were eliminated from the WAFCON in the quarter-finals by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.
Speaking to journalists after the disappointing campaign, Madugu accepted responsibility for the team’s failure and appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.
“I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup. It was not our intention. We came and did the best that we could, but our best was not good enough,” Madugu said.
“We are very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened.”
Madugu Not Afraid Of Sack
With calls mounting for his dismissal, Madugu said he would accept whatever decision the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) takes regarding his future.
The coach, however, insisted that the possibility of being sacked does not frighten him.
“I am not afraid of being sacked. To the glory of God, I have served my country. It was a privilege that was given to me,” he said.
Madugu also pointed to his record since taking charge, claiming he has overseen almost 28 matches, winning 19, drawing four and losing four.
He acknowledged, however, that the recent defeats came at crucial moments when expectations were high.
Missed Chances Cost Falcons
Explaining the loss to South Africa, Madugu blamed missed opportunities and lapses in concentration for the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.
According to him, Nigeria created enough opportunities but failed to convert them, while defensive mistakes allowed South Africa to punish them.
“We had chances, but conversion was another problem. We also made some little errors at the back, and they capitalised on that and got their goals,” he said.
Madugu added that the Super Falcons had control of the game at important stages but were undone by brief lapses in concentration.
“We had the game under control, but a momentary loss of concentration resulted in the kind of goals that we conceded,” he said.
The disappointing WAFCON campaign has intensified scrutiny of Madugu’s position, with former players and football stakeholders already calling for a change in the technical leadership
