‘I Take Responsibility’ – Madugu Apologises to Nigerians After Super Falcons’ WAFCON Heartbreak

Nigeria’s Super Falcons walked into their WAFCON quarter-final against Cameroon carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations but ended up walking out carrying something heavier – disappointment.

The defending champions were beaten 1-0 by the Indomitable Lionesses, ending Nigeria’s title defence and, for the first time in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, denying the Super Falcons a place in the semi-finals.

For coach Justin Madugu, there was no attempt to hide from the pain.

Instead, the Super Falcons head coach apologised to Nigerians, accepted responsibility for the defeat.

He shared that the team still has one more opportunity to fight for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The loss means Nigeria can no longer qualify automatically for the World Cup through the WAFCON semi-finals.

However, the Super Falcons still have an outside route through the African playoff system and must now respond quickly if they are to keep their remarkable record of appearing at every Women’s World Cup intact.

‘I Apologise and Take Responsibility’ – Madugu

Madugu acknowledged the frustration surrounding the result and said he fully understood the disappointment being felt across Nigeria.

“I quite understand the pains everybody is going through.”

“We all know what it means for all of us as a country, and like I said, I apologize and take responsibility for that.”

“However, we still have a second chance, and we give it our all to make sure that we do not disappoint and do it the same way that the men do.”

Those words came after a night in which Nigeria had opportunities to change the outcome but could not find the finish that their pressure deserved.

Cameroon needed only one goal to secure a historic victory.

Myriam Nyadjou produced the winiing moment in the…