NFF and NSC move to overhaul the Falcons’ technical setup after disappointing WAFCON campaign as Nigeria targets a return to the Olympics

The Super Falcons are expected to have a new technical crew before resuming their 2028 Women’s Olympic qualifying campaign in October, following the decision by the Nigeria Football Federation to overhaul the team’s coaching setup.

The NFF asked head coach Justine Madugu and his technical staff to step down after Nigeria’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Falcons suffered their earliest-ever exit from the tournament after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon.

The setback also ended Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while a subsequent 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the CAF play-off further compounded the disappointment.

Former Falcons goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, goalkeeper coach Auwal Makwalla, and Swedish coaches Igor Krulj and Per Karlsson were also affected by the decision.

National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade said the NSC and NFF would work together to restructure the team’s technical setup before the Olympic qualifiers, stressing Nigeria’s determination to return to the Games.

“The Olympics are around the corner. We will see how we can tweak the technical team of the Falcons like we did for the U-23. This is because we are desirous of qualifying for the Olympics,” Olopade said.

Nigeria will begin the next phase of their Olympic qualifying campaign in October against Comoros, who reached the second round after thrashing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.

The Falcons returned to the Olympics at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence but were eliminated in the group stage.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics now in their sights, the NFF and NSC are expected to move quickly to put a new technical structure in place as Nigeria seeks to secure another appearance at the Games.