NFF to delay appointment of Super Falcons head coach until 2025

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to hold off on appointing a permanent head coach for the Super Falcons until 2025, opting instead to appoint Justin Madugu as interim coach.

An insider from the NFF, speaking to BSN, revealed that the federation has concluded its relationship with former coach Randy Waldrum. With no international competitions scheduled for the women’s national team this year, the NFF has chosen to delay hiring a permanent head coach. This decision aims to give priority to developing home-based talent during this period.

“The Nigeria Football Federation will not engage the services of any substantive coach for the Super Falcons until next year because there are no international games for them this year,” the source said. “Meanwhile, Justin Madugu will be announced as the interim coach. He will invite 30 home-based players to camp in Abuja before the 2024/25 NWFL kicks off. His assignment is to identify the best players among the local players to challenge for shirts with their foreign counterparts.”

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Madugu, who has previously made a notable impact, will lead the team in this transitional phase. During his earlier stint, he guided the Super Falcons to a commanding 5-0 victory over Cape Verde in Abuja, with goals from Uchenna Kanu, Esther Okoronkwo, and Gift Monday. This victory helped the Super Falcons secure their qualification with a 7-1 aggregate win.

As the nine-time African champions prepare for the new Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) season, the NFF’s focus will remain on nurturing local talent under Madugu’s interim leadership. The appointment of a permanent head coach is slated for 2025, aligning with the NFF’s long-term plans for the team’s development.