Feel for Justine Madugu: Should One Bad Campaign Erase What He Achieved with the Super Falcons?

Ohis Asein

I understand that feeling. Madugu deserves criticism for the results, but I also think it is fair to acknowledge what he achieved before this disappointing campaign.

The NFF has now asked Madugu and his technical crew to step down following the Super Falcons' poor WAFCON campaign and their subsequent failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Nigeria's quarter-final exit against Cameroon was followed by a 2–1 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup play-off.

What makes the situation particularly painful is that the same Madugu led Nigeria to the record-extending 10th WAFCON title in 2025 and was reportedly named CAF's coach of the tournament.

So, while the NFF has every right to demand accountability, I think there is another question worth asking:

Was Madugu solely responsible for the Super Falcons' decline, or are there deeper problems within Nigerian football that should also be addressed?

He himself accepted responsibility after the Cameroon defeat. But football is rarely as simple as blaming one coach.