Nigeria’s Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu apologises after WAFCON 2026 setback

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria’s hopes of defending their continental crown were brought to a premature end after they suffered a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to arch-rivals Cameroon.

The defeat proved particularly costly, as it not only ended the Super Falcons’ hopes of retaining their WAFCON title but also denied them the opportunity to advance to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.

Nigeria had entered the tournament with high expectations after their previous continental triumph, but their campaign ultimately ended at the quarter-final stage.

Speaking to the media after the defeat, Madugu accepted responsibility for the outcome and admitted that the team’s efforts were not enough to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

The coach apologised to supporters for failing to secure a route towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

“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. We are very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened,” Madugu said.

Despite the disappointment, Madugu insisted that he was not concerned about the possibility of losing his position as Super Falcons head coach.

The Nigerian tactician said he regarded his time in charge of the national team as a privilege and maintained that he had served his country to the best of his ability.

“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 added.

Madugu also highlighted his record during his time overseeing the Super Falcons, pointing to the number of victories recorded before the latest setback.

“So far, I have played almost 28 games, won 19, lost four and drawn four. But this defeat came at crucial moments that people did not expect.”

The quarter-final loss to Cameroon is likely to trigger further scrutiny of the Super Falcons’ campaign, particularly given Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations.

For Madugu, however, the immediate focus is on accepting responsibility for the disappointing result and the consequences that have followed.

The defeat means Nigeria will not only surrender their continental crown but will also miss out on the opportunity to fight for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the inter-confederation play-offs.

With the future of the coaching staff now likely to come under discussion, Madugu has made it clear that he will accept whatever decision is taken by the Nigerian football authorities after the Super Falcons’ disappointing WAFCON campaign.