Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has accepted responsibility for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Madugu spoke after Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the qualifying playoff on Thursday.
The result ended the Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching the tournament in Brazil.
It also ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991.
Speaking to reporters after the defeat, Madugu apologised to Nigerians for the disappointing result.
The coach said the team gave its best but admitted that it was not enough.
“First of all, I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup,” Madugu said.
He also accepted full responsibility for the team’s failure.
“We are very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened,” he added.
Madugu also faced questions about calls for his dismissal following the Super Falcons’ World Cup failure.
The coach said he was not worried about losing his position.
“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.
His comments came as pressure grows after Nigeria missed the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
The result has raised questions about the team’s preparation, performance and coaching direction.
Madugu pointed to his record since taking charge of the Super Falcons.
He said he had managed almost 28 matches for Nigeria.
According to the coach, the team recorded 19 wins, four defeats and four draws during that period.
However, Madugu acknowledged the importance of the defeat to South Africa.
The loss came at a crucial stage and ultimately ended Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
Madugu identified poor finishing and defensive errors as major reasons for the defeat.
The Super Falcons created opportunities but failed to convert enough of them into goals.
Defensive mistakes also allowed South Africa to take advantage and secure the decisive victory.
The coach said those errors proved costly in a match Nigeria could not afford to lose.
Nigeria must now look beyond the disappointment and begin preparing for future international competitions.
The Super Falcons’ failure has already triggered calls for a deeper review of the team, with the Nigeria Football Federation expected to examine the reasons behind the setback.
