The Nigeria Football Federation has ordered Justin Madugu and his Super Falcons technical crew to step down with immediate effect, Bold Sports reports.
The decision follows Nigeria’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Falcons entered the tournament as defending champions. They also arrived after beating Senegal twice in June. Nigeria won 2-1 and 3-0 in those preparation matches. The team later beat Tanzania 2-1 before the tournament.
The NFF Executive Committee reached the decision after reviewing the Falcons’ recent performances. The federation also considered Nigeria’s failure to secure an automatic World Cup place.
The NFF confirmed the decision in a post on X.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” the federation wrote.
Madugu had taken charge of the national team in September 2024. He replaced Randy Waldrum after the American coach left his position.
His spell included a major continental triumph. Nigeria won the 2024 WAFCON title under his leadership. The Falcons beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final after falling two goals behind.
Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini scored for Nigeria. The comeback delivered the country’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Nigeria’s success in the previous WAFCON remains the biggest achievement of Madugu’s tenure.
The Falcons went unbeaten across six matches. They recorded five victories and one draw. They also conceded only three goals during the tournament.
CAF later recognised Madugu as the tournament’s Coach of the Tournament.
His team also secured Nigeria’s place at the 2026 WAFCON.
That success raised expectations before the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s title defence began badly against Malawi. The Falcons lost 3-2 to the tournament debutants.
Nigeria recovered in the group stage. Asisat Oshoala scored the winner against Zambia. The Falcons also produced a 6-2 victory over Egypt.
However, their campaign ended in the knockout phase. Cameroon eliminated Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
That result also damaged Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes. The 2026 WAFCON served as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists earned automatic qualification.
Nigeria then missed out on the global tournament after losing 2-1 to South Africa in the qualifying playoffs.
The latest directive ends Madugu’s time with the Super Falcons. His tenure leaves behind a record-extending African title and a difficult final campaign.
The NFF must now decide on a new technical direction. The next coaching appointment will shape the team’s preparations for future competitions.
For Nigeria, the priority will be rebuilding confidence. The federation will also need to restore consistency within the squad.
The Super Falcons remain one of Africa’s most successful women’s teams. Their next coach will inherit a squad with major expectations and a strong continental history.
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