NFF Sets Up Committee to Probe Nigeria’s National Team Struggles
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched a fact-finding investigation into the country’s recent struggles in international football, with the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup emerging as a major focus.
The decision comes after a disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons were eliminated in the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the subsequent playoff.
The setback means Nigeria will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament was inaugurated in 1991.
Despite their record as 10-time Women’s AFCON champions and the reigning holders, the Super Falcons were unable to secure a place at next year’s global tournament, which will be hosted by Brazil.
NFF turns spotlight on national teams
The NFF says the committee will examine the broader performance of Nigeria’s national teams in international competitions, while paying particular attention to the Super Falcons’ failure to reach the World Cup.
The investigation is expected to assess the factors behind the recent decline and identify areas that require attention as Nigerian football looks to restore its competitiveness on the international stage.
The committee brings together former administrators, coaches, players and match officials with extensive experience in Nigerian and international football.
Experienced panel appointed
Former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, has been appointed chairperson of the committee.
He will be joined by:
- Ladan Bosso – Former Nigeria U20 coach and president of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association
- Desire Oparanozie – Former Super Falcons captain, multiple Women’s AFCON winner and FIFA Women’s World Cup player
- Mutiu Adepoju – Former Super Eagles captain, AFCON winner and FIFA World Cup player
- Dr Alex Mana – Former FIFA referee
Mohammed Nasir Sa’idu, chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, will serve as the committee’s secretary.
A major warning for Nigerian football
Nigeria’s absence from the 2027 Women’s World Cup represents a significant break from tradition for one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations.
The Super Falcons have been ever-present at the Women’s World Cup since the competition began, while their dominance at continental level has made them the benchmark of African women’s football for decades.
Their latest setbacks have therefore raised questions about the direction of the national team and the wider structures supporting Nigeria’s international football programmes.
The NFF’s fact-finding committee will now be tasked with determining what went wrong and, potentially, what needs to change to ensure Nigeria returns to the top of African football.
