Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has stated that he does not fear being dismissed after Nigeria failed to secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team’s qualification dreams vanished on Thursday following a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the playoff round. This outcome marks the first time Nigeria will be absent from the tournament since its inception in 1991.
Addressing the media post-match, Madugu offered an apology to the nation and claimed full accountability for the setback. He remarked that despite their efforts, the squad ultimately fell short of the required standard. When questioned regarding the public demand for his removal, the coach maintained a stoic stance, expressing that serving his country was a privilege he had honored regardless of his future employment status.
Reflecting on his tenure, Madugu cited a record of 19 victories, four losses, and four draws over nearly 28 matches. He attributed the loss against South Africa to a lack of composure in the final third, defensive lapses, and potential overconfidence among his players. He emphasized that while the team frequently generated scoring opportunities, they lacked the clinical finishing required to win, while their opponents proved far more efficient in capitalizing on mistakes.
