NFF orders Super Falcons Technical crew to step down after World Cup setback

Posted : 18 August 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has ordered the technical crew of the Super Falcons to vacate their positions with immediate effect following the team’s failure to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The directive was announced by the NFF Executive Committee in a brief statement, although the federation did not disclose specific reasons for the decision.

“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 federation said.

The development comes after a disappointing campaign by the nine-time African champions, who struggled to produce the expected results at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria suffered an early setback in the competition after losing their opening Group C match to Malawi, who were making their debut at the tournament.

Despite the defeat, Malawi progressed impressively to the final, where they were beaten by Cameroon, who secured their first WAFCON title on Sunday.

The Super Falcons’ campaign, however, ended in the quarter-finals following a defeat to eventual champions Cameroon.

The result meant Nigeria failed to obtain an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and were subsequently required to go through a playoff route.

The Falcons later faced South Africa in another crucial qualification encounter but suffered another defeat, further complicating their hopes of making it to the global showpiece.

The latest NFF decision therefore marks the beginning of a new phase for the Super Falcons as the federation looks to reshape the technical direction of the team ahead of the remaining World Cup qualification opportunities.

The technical crew had been headed by Justin Madugu, who worked alongside a team of assistants and other backroom staff.

Madugu and Edwin Okon were appointed to the Super Falcons technical crew by the NFF in November 2021 as part of efforts to reorganise the national team’s coaching structure.

The latest development also means both of Nigeria’s senior national teams have suffered major World Cup qualification setbacks.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, after finishing second in their qualifying group.

Nigeria subsequently lost the African playoff final to DR Congo 4–3 on penalties after the encounter ended 1–1 following extra time.

With the Super Falcons now also facing a difficult route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the NFF will be under pressure to put in place a new technical structure capable of restoring confidence and steering the team back to the global stage.

NFF orders Super Falcons Technical crew to step down after World Cup setback

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