Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that he has signed a new two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), extending his tenure as manager of the women’s national team until October 2027.
Madugu made the announcement on Tuesday after leading the nine-time African champions to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Super Falcons sealed their spot with a 1–1 draw against Benin Republic in Abeokuta, completing a 3–1 aggregate victory over the two legs.
“I have been given a new contract from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2027,” Madugu told reporters after the match.
The 61-year-old coach expressed satisfaction with the qualification result but admitted that his team’s performance fell short of expectations.
“The draw didn’t come as a surprise because we knew it was going to be a tough game,” he said. “It wasn’t going to be easy based on what we knew about the Beninoise team. However, I want to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations. Every time the Super Falcons play, there’s always pressure to deliver results and strong performances. Sometimes there are off days — and today was one of those.”
Madugu described the result as a “wake-up call” as preparations begin for next year’s WAFCON, which will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We’re not too disappointed. We’ll take this as a reminder that there’s more work to be done,” he added.
In Tuesday’s match, defender Ashleigh Plumptre scored her first goal for Nigeria, heading in from an Esther Okoronkwo corner in the 12th minute before Benin equalised in the second half. The draw was enough to send the Super Falcons through to next year’s continental showpiece.
Madugu will now turn his focus to strengthening his squad ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
