Madugu Vows Super Falcons Will Fight for World Cup Place Against South Africa

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu says Nigeria are determined to seize their second opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face South Africa in the CAF play-offs on Thursday.

The Falcons lost their chance of securing automatic qualification after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Nigeria had entered the tournament as defending champions and were targeting a record-extending 11th continental title, but their defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses means they must now navigate the play-off route to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Madugu admitted that missing out on automatic qualification was painful but insisted the setback had strengthened the team’s determination ahead of the crucial encounter with Banyana Banyana.

“We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu said after the defeat to Cameroon.

“We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs.”

The coach also apologised to Nigerians and accepted responsibility for the disappointing outcome against Cameroon.

“I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. We know what it means for all of us and the country. I apologise and take responsibility for that,” he added.

Madugu’s reference to the Super Eagles reflects Nigeria’s experience in the men’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Eagles missed out on automatic qualification but earned a second opportunity through the CAF play-offs after finishing among the best runners-up. However, their hopes were ended by DR Congo in the final of the play-off tournament in Morocco.

Madugu is determined to ensure the Super Falcons do not suffer the same fate.

Nigeria have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began, making Thursday’s clash with South Africa another important chapter in the team’s remarkable history.

The Falcons will therefore be looking to put their WAFCON disappointment behind them and produce a strong performance against Banyana Banyana.

Victory would keep Nigeria on course for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, while defeat would leave their historic qualification record under serious threat.

With so much at stake, Madugu believes the Super Falcons have both the quality and determination required to overcome the additional hurdle and secure their place on the global stage.