Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says he is not worried about losing his position following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s hopes of making it to the tournament came to an end on Thursday after the Super Falcons were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in the qualifying playoffs.
The defeat marks a historic setback for Nigeria, as the Super Falcons will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition was launched in 1991.
Speaking after the disappointing result, Madugu apologised to Nigerians and accepted responsibility for the team’s failure to secure qualification.
“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.
The coach added that he and his players were sorry for the outcome and accepted responsibility for the disappointment.
Madugu was also questioned about growing calls for him to be removed from his position following the loss to South Africa.
However, the coach insisted that he would not be intimidated by the possibility of being sacked, describing his time in charge of the national team as a privilege.
“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,” Madugu said.
Reflecting on his time with the Super Falcons, Madugu pointed to his overall record, saying he had overseen almost 28 matches, with 19 victories, four defeats and four draws.
Despite that record, he acknowledged the significance of the loss to South Africa, particularly because it came at a crucial stage of the World Cup qualification campaign.
For Nigeria, the result represents a major disappointment for one of Africa’s most successful women’s football teams, while Madugu’s future as Super Falcons head coach could now come under further scrutiny.
