NFF fires Super Falcons coach, technical crew over failure to qualify for World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked Justine Madugu, head coach of the Super Falcons, and members of the team’s technical crew following the failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The federation announced the decision in a post on X on Monday.

“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” the post reads.

The decision comes days after the Falcons lost to South Africa in the continental playoff for the 2027 Women’s World Cup on August 13.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament was introduced in 1991.

The Falcons had earlier failed to secure one of the four automatic qualification slots after losing to Cameroon in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Madugu had faced criticism over his player selections and tactical decisions during the Falcons’ disappointing WAFCON campaign.

The 62-year-old coach leaves his position less than a year after leading Nigeria to a record-extending 10th continental title.

In response to the team’s recent setbacks, the NFF has also constituted and inaugurated a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Falcons’ poor performance and failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Fanny Amun, a former NFF general secretary, was appointed chairman of the committee.

Other members are Ladan Bosso, former Flying Eagles coach; Desire Oparanozie, former Super Falcons captain; Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Eagles midfielder; and Alex Mana, a former referee.

Nasiru Sa’idu, chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, will serve as secretary of the committee.