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Super Falcons head coach, Justin Maduguhas opened up about the growing frustration surrounding Nigeria’s lack of international matches, revealing that several countries are deliberately avoiding friendlies against the African giants.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with to Brila.netMadugu admitted that the situation is harming the team’s preparations and revealed that the Nigerian Football Federation has approached several countries for matches, only to be repeatedly rejected.
– READ MORE: Super Falcons absent as other African nations secure international friendly games
“Most teams are not prepared to play against us”
Speaking candidly about the Super Falcons’ limited schedule, Madugu said the coaching team is deeply concerned about the lack of competitive matches.
“The fact is that most teams are not prepared to play against us. I am aware that they have made a lot of efforts to try to reach 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 the technical bodies.
“The federation will accept, when they approach their coaches, they will tell them no, they don’t want to play against the Super Falcons.”
Madugu further revealed that more than five countries had already been contacted without success.
“I am aware that they have made approaches to more than five countries.”
“I know that.”
“Maybe there are other reasons behind it, but we are not happy with it.”
Super Falcons’ World Cup preparation suffers
The Falcons coach admitted that the situation is negatively affecting Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.
“We are not happy with this because it does not help our preparations either.”
With few high-level games available, Madugu acknowledged that the team faces a difficult situation.
“But then what can you do when you don’t have anyone willing to play against you?”
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and one of the most feared teams on the continent, a reputation Madugu believes may now be working against them.
– READ MORE: “We must create more competition” – Justin Madugu
Why European teams avoid Nigeria
Madugu explained that many European countries are currently prioritizing matches within Europe due to their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaigns.
“Some other countries, particularly European teams, are more focused on playing against European teams because of their World Cup qualifiers.”
The shortage of matches has become a major concern behind the scenes, especially as Nigeria continues preparations for future international tournaments.
Madugu further emphasized the importance of regular matches for tactical development, team chemistry and player evaluation.
“It is affecting our preparations. “We are not happy with that.”
“You need games to improve.”
Despite the difficulties, the coach insisted that the team remains committed to overcoming the situation.
“We will continue working.”
He added that qualifying circumstances greatly influence scheduling decisions.
“If they had qualified for the World Cup, probably knowing full well that they would be facing teams from different continents, maybe they would have wanted to play against us.”
According to Madugu, some European teams are intentionally steering clear of African rivals altogether for now.
“However, some of the approaches that have been made, even with European teams, some of them are not willing to play against African teams for now, but rather prefer to play against European rivals, particularly the top countries.”
– READ MORE: BREAKING: President Tinubu awards WAFCON champions as Super Falcons earn national honors and $100,000 each
From WAFCON glory to new challenges
Madugu has established a successful reign, months after she guided Nigeria to a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, where the Super Falcons shocked the host Morocco women’s football team with a spectacular 3-2 comeback.
The win elevated Madugu’s status as one of Africa’s leading indigenous coaches and strengthened confidence in local tactical expertise.
Madugu previously reflected on that achievement, telling CAFOnline:
“We needed to set a good benchmark for our local coaches who had previously given up hope.”
“When we were given this task, we knew it was huge, that we weren’t just representing ourselves.”
“I firmly believe that this achievement will open more doors for Nigerian coaches at all levels.”
“It’s about changing perceptions, showing that we can compete and win from the top.”
“We have not disappointed and that is the joy that fills me the most.”
A coach built from the ground up
“I started from the base, training boys, encouraging girls who were rejected in the fields.” Madugu narrated.
“In the early ’90s, we went to Brazil to attend youth tournaments. That was the spark. We built Makwada Queens from scratch.”
“I started organizing local tournaments, watching how the players developed.”
The veteran strategist admitted that the trip was full of sacrifices and ridicule.
“It wasn’t easy. People laughed.”
“I was a civil servant, but I coached men’s and women’s teams. I combined office work with football, but I believed in something bigger.”
The superhawks are still looking for answers
While the Super Falcons remain one of the most respected teams in women’s football, Madugu’s revelation has sparked fresh debate about the difficulties African powers face in securing an elite rival.
For now, Nigeria continues to look for willing opponents.
And according to Madugu, the team needs matches and the federation is trying, but many countries simply do not want to face the Super Falcons.
