Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu has apologised for his team’s dismal outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The 10-time African champions were eliminated in the quarter-finals by the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.
Nigeria also failed to secure a place in the inter-confederation playoffs following a 2-1 defeat to arch rivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.
The Super Falcons will not be attending the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since inception in 1991.
Madugu said his players gave their best on the pitch.
The gaffer also took full responsibility for the Super Falcons’ failure in the competition.
“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 told reporters after the game against South Africa.
Madugu’s position has come under increasing scrutiny, with several calls for his dismissal following the Super Falcons’ poor showing.
The experienced tactician, however, remains unconcerned about his future, insisting he is not worried about the possibility of being sacked by his employers.
“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.
“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.”
WAFCON 2026: Madugu apologises for Super Falcons’ dismal showing, dismisses sack fears