The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has directed members of the technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down from their positions with immediate effect.
The decision was announced by the NFF Executive Committee on Monday in a brief statement, although the federation did not disclose the specific reasons behind the directive.
In a statement posted on its official social media platform, the football governing body said: “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect.”
The announcement comes shortly after the Super Falcons endured a disappointing campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where their hopes of retaining the continental title were cut short in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria began its Group C campaign on a difficult note, suffering an unexpected defeat against Malawi, a team making its debut at the tournament. The result immediately placed pressure on the Super Falcons and raised questions about their preparations and tactical approach.
Malawi, however, went on to produce one of the biggest stories of the tournament by advancing all the way to the final. Their impressive run ended with a defeat against Cameroon, who eventually secured the WAFCON title for the first time.
For Nigeria, the tournament ended in disappointment after the Super Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals. The defeat was particularly costly because it denied Nigeria an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons subsequently received another opportunity to secure their place at the global tournament through a playoff against South Africa. However, Nigeria again suffered defeat, leaving the team facing another route in its attempt to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
The NFF’s decision to ask the technical crew to step down has therefore heightened scrutiny of the team’s recent performances and the direction of women’s football in the country.
The Super Falcons technical crew is headed by head coach Justin Madugu, who has been responsible for overseeing the team’s preparations and tactical organisation. The coaching structure also includes assistant coaches and other backroom staff involved in the team’s technical and administrative operations.
Madugu’s involvement with the national women’s team dates back several years. In November 2021, the NFF appointed Madugu and Edwin Okon as members of the Super Falcons’ technical crew as part of efforts to restructure and strengthen the team.
The latest development means the federation will now have to consider the next phase of its technical leadership as Nigeria seeks to rebuild the team and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The timing of the decision is also significant given the wider challenges confronting Nigerian football. The Super Eagles, the country’s senior men’s national team, also failed to qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria finished second in its qualifying group and was forced to go through the African playoff route. However, the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes were eventually dashed after they lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoff final.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo prevailed 4-3 on penalties, denying Nigeria a place at the tournament.
With both the men’s and women’s senior national teams facing significant setbacks, attention is increasingly focused on the NFF’s approach to technical management and the need for stronger structures across the national teams.
For the Super Falcons, the immediate priority will be to stabilise the team, address weaknesses exposed during the WAFCON campaign and ensure that Nigeria does not miss out on another major international tournament.
The NFF has yet to announce whether an interim technical crew will be appointed or whether it will immediately begin the search for a new coaching team.
The federation is also yet to provide details on whether the directive represents a complete overhaul of the technical structure or only a temporary measure pending further decisions.
The Super Falcons remain one of Africa’s most successful women’s football teams, having won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record number of times. Their failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup has therefore intensified pressure on the country’s football administrators to find a solution.
As the NFF begins its next steps, the federation will be expected to provide greater clarity on the reasons behind the latest decision and outline its plans for rebuilding the Super Falcons ahead of the next stage of World Cup qualification.
