By Ben Efe 14.8.2026
Nigeria’s Super Falcons left empty handed at the 2026 Women African Cup of Nations are expected back in Abuja Saturday to continue their reflections on the team’s poor run at the tournament in Morocco.
The defending champions and 10-times WAFCON winners failed to reach the semi-final and get an automatic ticket for the FIFA Women World Cup. And on Thursday night they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in a game they should wrap up against South Africa’s Banyana Bayana to get a playoff qualification opportunity.
Under fire coach Justin Madugu took responsibility for the team’s collapse, which consigned them to missing the FIFA Women World Cup for the first time in the history of continental dominance.
“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,” sighed a sobered Madugu
“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.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade stated that the team and the Nigeria Football Federation should learn a lesson how to get prepared because there are no more easy games in African women football.
“We should learn not to be relaxed because the competition is fierce now.
“We must realize we’re not invincible; we just need to prepare more, get better, and demand more of ourselves individually and collectively.”
Linda Motlhalo of South Africa challenged by Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria.