Super Falcons Coach Justin Madugu Says He Is Not Afraid of Being Sacked After World Cup Qualification Failure
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has said he is not afraid of losing his job after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament ended on Thursday when the Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the qualifying playoffs. The result means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition began in 1991.
Speaking to the press after the match, Madugu apologised to Nigerians and accepted full responsibility for the team’s failure.
“First of all, I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup. It was not our intention. We came and did the best that we could, but our best was not good enough,” he said. “We are very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened.”
Asked about calls for his dismissal, Madugu remained defiant. “I am not afraid of being sacked. To the glory of God, I have served my country. It was a privilege that was given to me,” he stated.
He noted that he had managed almost 28 matches, recording 19 wins, four defeats and four draws, but conceded that the loss to South Africa came at a crucial stage.
Madugu blamed Nigeria’s failure to convert chances and defensive errors for the defeat. “We had chances, but conversion was another problem. We also made some little errors at the back, and they capitalised on that and got their goals,” he said.
He also suggested that complacency and overconfidence may have played a part. “It could be complacency, it could also be overconfidence, and then we end up making mistakes over unnecessary issues,” he added.
Madugu further admitted the Super Falcons had been wasteful in front of goal throughout the tournament despite creating several opportunities. “We have not been clinical in front of goal. We create several chances, but we are very wasteful with the opportunities that come our way,” he said, noting that Nigeria could have put the game beyond South Africa’s reach in the first half but failed to take their chances.
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