Head coach of the Super Falcons, Justin Madugu, has opened up on the growing frustration surrounding Nigeria’s lack of international matches, revealing that several countries are deliberately avoiding friendlies against the African giants.
Speaking in a exclusive interview with to Brila.net, Madugu admitted the situation is hurting the team’s preparations and disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation has approached multiple countries in search of games, only to be repeatedly turned down.
– READ MORE: Super Falcons Absent as Other African Nations Secure International Friendly Games
“Most Teams Are Not Ready to Play Us”
Speaking candidly about the Super Falcons’ limited schedule, Madugu said the coaching crew is deeply concerned by the lack of competitive matches.
“The fact is that most of the teams are not ready to play us. I am aware they have made a lot of efforts at trying to reach out to so many teams.”
He revealed that the federation had actively pursued several international opponents, but many national teams refused to accept the invitation once discussions reached coaching staffs.
“The federation will accept by the time they approach their coaches, they will say no, they don’t want to play the Super Falcons.”
Madugu further disclosed that more than five countries had already been contacted without success.
“I’m aware they have made approaches to more than five countries.”
“That I know.”
“Maybe some other reasons could be behind it, but we’re not happy about it.”
Super Falcons World Cup Preparation Suffers
The Falcons coach admitted the situation is negatively affecting Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.
“We’re not happy about it because it’s not helping our preparations also.”
With few top-level games available, Madugu acknowledged the team faces a difficult situation.
“But then, what can you do when you don’t have anybody that is ready to play against you?”
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and one of the continent’s most feared sides, a reputation that Madugu believes may now be working against them.
– READ MORE: “We Must Create More Competition” – Justin Madugu
Why European Teams Are Avoiding Nigeria
Madugu explained that many European countries are currently prioritising matches within Europe due to their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaigns.
“Some other countries, particularly the European teams, they are more focused on playing against European teams because of their World Cup qualifiers.”
The shortage of fixtures has become a major concern behind the scenes, especially as Nigeria continue preparations for future international tournaments.
Madugu stressed more on the importance of regular matches for tactical development, team chemistry and player evaluation.
“It’s affecting our preparations. We are not happy about it.”
“You need games to improve.”
Despite the difficulties, the coach insisted the team remains committed to working through the situation.
“We will keep working.”
He added that qualification circumstances heavily influence scheduling decisions.
“If they had qualified for the World Cup, probably knowing fully well that they will come up against teams from different continents, they might be of light in wanting to play us.”
According to Madugu, some European teams are intentionally steering away from African opposition entirely for now.
“However, some of the approaches that have been made, even with the European teams, some of them are not willing to play African teams for now, but they rather prefer to play against the European opposition, particularly the top countries.”
– READ MORE: BREAKING: President Tinubu Rewards WAFCON Champions as Super Falcons Bag National Honors and $100,000 Each
From WAFCON Glory to Fresh Challenges
Madugu has established a successful reign, come months after he guided Nigeria to a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, where the Super Falcons stunned hosts Morocco women’s national football team with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory.
The triumph elevated Madugu’s status as one of Africa’s leading indigenous coaches and strengthened belief in homegrown tactical expertise.
Reflecting on that achievement earlier, Madugu told CAFOnline:
“We needed to set a good benchmark for our home-based coaches who’ve previously lost hope.”
“When we were given this task, we knew it was huge, we weren’t just representing ourselves.”
“I believe strongly that this achievement will open up more doors for Nigerian coaches at every level.”
“It’s about changing the perception, proving that we can compete and win at the very top.”
“We’ve not disappointed, and that is the joy that fills me the most.”
A Coach Built From the Grassroots
“I started from the grassroots, coaching boys, encouraging girls who were turned away from fields,” Madugu narrated.
“In the early ‘90s, we went to Brazil for youth tournaments. That was the spark. We built Makwada Queens from scratch.”
“I started organizing local tournaments, watching players develop.”
The veteran tactician admitted the journey was filled with sacrifices and ridicule.
“It wasn’t easy. People laughed.”
“I was a civil servant, yet I coached both men’s and women’s teams. I was combining office work with football, but I believed in something bigger.”
Super Falcons Still Searching for Answers
While the Super Falcons remain one of the most respected teams in women’s football, Madugu’s revelation has sparked fresh debate over the difficulty African powerhouses face in securing elite-level opposition.
For now, Nigeria continue searching for willing opponents.
And according to Madugu, The team needs matches and the federation is trying, just that many countries simply do not want to face the Super Falcons.
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