By Daphne Uduneje
The Institute of Sports Management and Development Studies (ISMDS) has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reconsider the reported decision to terminate the appointment of Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, and his technical crew, arguing that continuity and adequate institutional support are critical to rebuilding the national women’s team.
The institute, which described Madugu as one of Nigeria’s capable indigenous coaches, said removing the coach following the team’s recent disappointing result could be a premature response to what it considers a broader technical and administrative challenge.
The position was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of ISMDS, Rev. Stanley Ihedigbo.
Ihedigbo said the NFF should look beyond the immediate disappointment surrounding the Falcons’ performance and consider the importance of stability, continuity and long-term technical development in the management of the national team.
According to him, Madugu’s experience and previous contributions to Nigerian women’s football should be taken into account before any final decision is made on his future.
He argued that national team development requires sustained planning and investment, noting that frequent changes in the technical leadership whenever results fall below expectations could undermine efforts to establish a consistent football philosophy.
“Madugu should be given the opportunity to learn from the team’s recent shortcomings, identify areas requiring improvement and work with the players and technical crew to build a stronger and more competitive Super Falcons side,” the institute stated.
ISMDS also stressed the need for greater opportunities for Nigerian coaches to demonstrate their capabilities at the highest level, particularly where they have acquired experience managing national teams.
Ihedigbo maintained that Madugu should not be judged solely on the basis of one disappointing outcome, arguing that a comprehensive assessment of the Falcons’ performance should also consider factors beyond the coach’s immediate technical responsibilities.
The institute called on the NFF and other stakeholders to examine issues surrounding the team’s preparation, player availability, logistics, technical support and broader football administration as part of any evaluation of the Falcons’ performance.
It further cautioned that changing coaches does not necessarily guarantee an immediate improvement in results, stressing that sustainable success in football is driven by strategic planning, continuity, institutional support and the development of a clearly defined football philosophy.
The institute therefore appealed to the NFF to allow Madugu sufficient time to consolidate his work with the Super Falcons while providing the technical crew with the resources and support required to address the team’s weaknesses.
Ihedigbo also called for increased investment in indigenous coaches, saying Nigerian football authorities should create an enabling environment for local coaches to gain international experience, strengthen their tactical capabilities and compete effectively at the highest level.
According to ISMDS, Madugu’s knowledge of Nigerian women’s football and his previous achievements remain relevant considerations in determining whether he should continue in charge of the Falcons.
The institute said continuity would give the coach an opportunity to correct identified deficiencies, improve the team’s performance and rebuild confidence among the players and supporters.
It urged the NFF to adopt a more strategic and patient approach to the management of the Super Falcons, stressing that the long-term development of Nigerian football should take precedence over short-term reactions to disappointing results.