LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken decisive action as they asked the Justine Madugu and the Super Falcons coaching crew to relinquish their roles following the Super Falcons’ disappointing outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and their subsequent failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In a statement released on its official X account on Monday, August 17 the NFF Executive Committee confirmed that Head Coach Justine Madugu and his entire technical crew have been asked to step down with immediate effect.
The decision marks a significant shake-up in Nigerian women’s football, coming after weeks of criticism over the team’s performance.
Madugu, who took charge of the Super Falcons in 2024, had been tasked with building a competitive side capable of reclaiming continental dominance and securing World Cup qualification.
However, the team’s recent campaign in Morocco ended in disappointment, with Nigeria failing to reach the semifinals of the WAFCON for the first time in decades.
Madugu’s failure to qualify Nigeria for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil proved to be the final straw, prompting the NFF to act swiftly.
The federation emphasized the need for a fresh direction and stronger leadership to restore the Super Falcons’ status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.
The decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many calling for a thorough restructuring of women’s football in Nigeria.
The NFF is expected to announce an interim technical team in the coming weeks while beginning the search for a permanent replacement.
For now, the departure of Madugu and his crew signals the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Super Falcons, who will be under pressure to bounce back and reclaim their place at the top of African football.
