Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu has apologised for his team’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, admitting that defensive errors and poor finishing contributed to their painful 2-1 loss to South Africa.
Madugu spoke after the Falcons loss to Banyana Banyana in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) play-off at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup and brought their historic run of qualifying for every edition of the tournament to an end.
“I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup. We are very sorry. It was not our intention.
“We came, did the best that we could, but our best was not good enough.
“And we’re very sorry for that, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened. There can always be a next time. I’m sorry,” Madugu said.
The Super Falcons had already missed out on an automatic World Cup ticket after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon. Still, they were handed another opportunity through the continental play-off.
However, South Africa made the most of Nigeria’s mistakes to secure a crucial victory.
Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane doubled their advantage in the 77th minute.
Nigeria eventually pulled one back in stoppage time through Christy Ucheibe from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded the Falcons a penalty, resulting in Jane being shown a red card.
Despite the late lifeline, Nigeria could not find an equaliser as South Africa held on to book their place in the intercontinental play-off tournament.
Madugu admitted that the Falcons had enough opportunities to influence the outcome but failed to capitalise on…
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