Super Falcons coach apologizes to Nigerians for Women's World Cup qualification failure

Madugu attributed the 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the Confederation of African Football play-off to errors and poor finishing. He stated that the team's best effort was not sufficient and took full responsibility for the outcome. Nigeria initially missed an automatic World Cup spot after losing to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals but had a second chance through the continental play-off.

South Africa capitalized on Nigeria's defensive errors, with Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scoring. Christy Ucheibe scored a penalty for Nigeria in added time, but it was not enough. Madugu noted that the team created numerous chances but lacked clinical finishing and made individual defensive errors.

This defeat marks the first time Nigeria will miss the Women's World Cup since its inception in 1991, while South Africa will advance to an intercontinental play-off.