Super Falcons Crisis: NFF Sets Up PANEL To Probe World Cup Failure

The committee will be chaired by former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun, and will investigate the Super Falcons’ underwhelming campaign while identifying the factors responsible for Nigeria’s first failure to reach the Women’s World Cup since the tournament was launched in 1991.

Other members of the panel include former Nigeria U-20 coach Ladan Bosso, former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie, ex-Super Eagles captain Mutiu Adepoju, former FIFA referee Dr Alex Mana, and Mohammed Nasiru Sa’idu, chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, who will serve as secretary.

The NFF’s decision follows a disappointing campaign by the Super Falcons, who entered the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as defending champions and 10-time winners.

Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the 2027 World Cup suffered a major setback after the Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals.

The team was subsequently given another opportunity to qualify through the CAF play-off, but lost 2-1 to South Africa, ending Nigeria’s hopes of appearing at the global tournament.

Beyond the Super Falcons, the committee will also examine the wider problems affecting Nigeria’s national teams in international competitions.

The Flying Eagles recently suffered another setback after Burkina Faso defeated them 4-1 in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, denying Nigeria qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The NFF said the committee would investigate what it described as the national teams’ “unwholesome poor run” in recent competitions.

The development comes shortly after Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu apologised for the defeat against South Africa and accepted responsibility for the result.

Madugu maintained that Nigeria created enough opportunities to win the crucial encounter but failed to convert their chances, while defensive errors also contributed significantly to the defeat.

The fact-finding committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the setbacks and provide recommendations aimed at improving the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.