NFF launches probe into Nigeria’s football decline after World Cup failure

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the country’s recent poor performances in international football following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The move comes after the Super Falcons, 10-time African champions and holders of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), suffered a disappointing exit from the 2026 tournament in Morocco.

Super Falcons miss World Cup for first time

Nigeria were eliminated at the quarter-final stage after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon before suffering a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the subsequent CAF playoff.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Inter-Confederations Playoff and means the Super Falcons will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.

The setback has intensified concerns over the state of Nigeria’s national teams and the country’s declining influence in international football.

Amun heads five-member panel

Former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, will chair the fact-finding committee.

The panel also includes former Nigeria U20 coach and President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso; former Super Falcons captain and multiple WAFCON winner Desire Oparanozie; former Super Eagles captain, AFCON winner and World Cup star Mutiu Adepoju; and former FIFA referee Dr Alex Mana.

Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Nasiru Sa’idu, will serve as secretary.

Committee tasked with finding answers

The committee is expected to examine the factors behind the recent struggles of Nigeria’s national teams and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.

Its formation reflects growing concerns over the country’s inability to translate its historic strength and talent pool into sustained success across international competitions.

The Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 World Cup represents a particularly significant setback, given Nigeria’s record of appearing at every previous edition of the tournament.

The NFF’s decision to establish the panel could therefore provide an opportunity to assess the technical, administrative and structural challenges affecting the national teams and recommend measures to reverse the decline.