The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked Justine Madugu, head coach of the Super Falcons, alongside members of his technical staff.
The federation announced the decision on Monday, August 17, following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” the post reads.
The decision comes three days after the Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the continental playoff for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The loss ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
“The Falcons’ absence from the 2027 competition will therefore mark a significant break from their long-standing dominance in African women’s football.
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Nigeria’s qualification hopes had already been severely weakened after the Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
That defeat forced the team to pursue one of the longer qualification routes through the continental playoffs, where they eventually fell to South Africa.
Madugu faced growing criticism during the WAFCON campaign, particularly over his team selection and tactical decisions as Nigeria struggled to maintain consistency throughout the tournament.
His dismissal also brings an abrupt end to his tenure, which began on a high note.
The 62-year-old coach had guided the Falcons to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title less than a year ago, strengthening expectations that he could build on Nigeria’s success on the continental stage.
However, the failure to reach the 2027 World Cup has now resulted in a major shake-up of the team’s technical structure.
The NFF’s decision leaves the Super Falcons without their coaching staff as the federation begins the search for a new technical direction following one of the most disappointing setbacks in the team’s history.