The Nigeria Football Federation has ended Justin Madugu’s tenure as Super Falcons head coach, directing him and other members of the team’s technical crew to step down with immediate effect. In fact, NFF sacks Madugu officially, marking a significant change in team leadership.
According to Pulse Nigeria, the decision comes after a disappointing campaign in which the Super Falcons failed to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With these results, it became inevitable that NFF sacks Madugu following public pressure.
NFF orders coaching crew to leave
The federation announced the decision on Monday, saying its Executive Committee had asked the entire Super Falcons technical crew to vacate their positions immediately. This announcement confirmed the rumours that NFF sacks Madugu was imminent for weeks.
“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 NFF said.
Although the federation did not give a detailed reason in its announcement, the decision followed a difficult period for the national team under Madugu.
World Cup failure piles pressure on Madugu
Nigeria missed out on an automatic World Cup ticket after suffering a quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Falcons were then handed another opportunity through the African playoff against South Africa but failed to secure qualification. Notably, NFF sacks Madugu after these consecutive setbacks.
The setback means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.
Madugu had also faced growing criticism over his team selection and tactics during the WAFCON campaign as the Falcons struggled to reproduce the form that had previously made them Africa’s dominant women’s team.
From continental glory to dismissal
Madugu’s departure comes barely a year after he guided the Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
He had been part of the national team’s technical setup for several years before eventually taking charge as head coach.
However, Nigeria’s poor showing at the latest WAFCON and failure to reach the World Cup increased pressure on both the coach and the NFF.
NFF launches probe into Falcons’ failure
The federation has also inaugurated a six-member fact-finding committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the Super Falcons’ disappointing performances.
Former NFF General Secretary Fanny Amun was appointed chairman of the committee, while former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso, former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie and ex-Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju are among its members.
Former referee Alex Mana is also on the panel, while Sokoto State Football Association chairman Nasiru Sa’idu will serve as secretary.
The NFF has yet to announce Madugu’s replacement or reveal the structure of the next technical team that will take charge of the Super Falcons.
