Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu has confirmed that he has signed a new two-year contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), extending his tenure as the women’s national team boss until October 2027.
The 61-year-old tactician revealed this shortly after leading the 10-time African champions to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
The result sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory and ensured Nigeria’s place at next year’s continental tournament.
“I have been given a new contract from October 1, 2025 till October 1, 2027,”
Madugu told journalists during his post-match press conference.
Madugu’s contract renewal is an assurance that the NFF has strong confidence in his leadership, coming barely a year after he replaced American coach Randy Waldrum.
Waldrum had guided the Super Falcons to the 2022 WAFCON, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a high benchmark for his successor.
Since taking charge, Madugu has restored Nigeria’s continental dominance by leading the team to victory at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, clinching their record-extending tenth African title.
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‘We Didn’t Meet Expectations’ – Madugu Apologises to Nigerians
Coach Justin Madugu admitted that his team’s performance in the return leg fell below expectations despite guiding the Super Falcons to yet another WAFCON appearance.
“The draw didn’t come as a surprise because we knew it was going to be a tough game,” he said.
“It was not going to be an easy game based on what we knew about the Beninoise team.”
“However, I equally want to use this opportunity to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations.”
“Each time the Super Falcons go out to play, there are always high expectations in terms of results and performance. Sometimes there can be off days, there can be bad days, and we want to consider today’s match from that perspective.”
Madugu described the result as a “wake-up call” for his team as they prepare for tougher challenges at the 2026 WAFCON, which also doubles as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We are not too disappointed. We are taking it as a wake-up call for us to know that there’s more work to be done,” he added.
Ashleigh Plumptre Opens Falcons Account in Abeokuta
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre enjoyed a memorable night by scoring her first-ever goal for Nigeria, heading home from Esther Okoronkwo’s corner in the 12th minute to hand the Falcons the lead.
Benin equalised later in the game, but the draw was enough to secure Nigeria’s progression.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also produced key saves to keep the visitors from snatching a shock victory, while Benin’s goalkeeper prevented the Super Falcons from reinstating their lead, ending the game 1-1.
The Super Falcons will now shift focus to their title defence at the 2026 WAFCON, scheduled for March 17 to April 3, as they aim to secure early qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
