Super Falcons Head Coach Justin Madugu has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s heartbreaking elimination from the FIFA Women’s World Cup playoffs, admitting that the team’s inability to convert chances and a series of individual errors played a major role in their disappointing campaign.

Speaking to the press after the defeat to South Africa, Madugu expressed his regret over the outcome and accepted responsibility for the team’s failure to secure a World Cup ticket.

“We are very sorry. It is not our intention. We came, did the best we could, but it was not good enough, and we take full responsibility for everything that happened. There can always be a next time,” Madugu said.

The coach explained that the Super Falcons gave everything in their attempt to win the crucial encounter, but their failure to convert several opportunities, coupled with individual decision-making errors, ultimately proved costly.

“We gave it all, trying as much as possible to win. Even in the players’ performances, there were enough chances, but they could not be converted, and that was the problem, including some other errors and individual decision-making errors. We really regret and feel sorry about that.”

Madugu also pointed to lapses in concentration and unnecessary distractions as some of the factors that affected the team throughout the tournament. According to him, Nigeria had moments when they were in control of games but failed to maintain their discipline and follow the tactical plan.

“We had the games under control, but always the loss of concentration and unnecessary distractions. We would not have conceded if they had stuck to the plans already, and that has cost us,” he explained.

He added that both the players and coaching staff must take responsibility and carefully review the mistakes that contributed to the team’s downfall.

“The players will look at many things while we also have to look at something from our end because we should not have conceded those goals in the manner we conceded them. Quite a lot of individual errors and self-decision-making caused us so much in all our games.”

On the team’s struggles with set pieces, Madugu admitted that the Super Falcons were not good enough in that area despite working on it regularly during their preparations.

“Although we keep working on it every day, we could not just get it right as we planned,” he said.

The coach also acknowledged the team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal, admitting that Nigeria were wasteful with the opportunities they created.

“We are very wasteful with every chance that comes our way because we were not clinical with finishing.”

Addressing the disappointment and expectations of Nigerian supporters, Madugu said he understands the pain of the fans and accepts whatever consequences may follow the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

“I can understand the pain everyone is going through, with their expectations so high for their team and not delivering as expected. As a coach, you must live with whatever the consequences that come your way. I am not afraid of being sacked.”

Madugu also reflected on his record with the national team, saying he is proud to have served his country and given his best regardless of what happens next.

“To God’s glory, I have served my country, and I have done the best I can. In total, I have played almost 28 games, won 19, 4 draws and lost four games, and perhaps if I get sacked, it is a great pleasure serving my country.”

Despite the disappointing result, Madugu defended the team’s approach, pointing out that the Super Falcons created enough opportunities to influence the outcome.

“If we never created chances, the tactics should be questioned because they made an impact trying their best.”

The coach further explained that the technical team has video analysts and conducts detailed reviews of matches, but mistakes and individual deviations from the planned strategy can sometimes occur during games.

“We always have our game plan. Sometimes anxiety and frustration make individual errors and decision-making one of the things that affected us in all our games.”

The World Cup dream is now over, the Super Falcons and their technical team will have to reflect on the campaign, address their shortcomings and begin preparations for their next assignment as they look to bounce back from one of the most painful moments in Nigerian women’s football.