Tremendous Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has issued an apology to Nigerian followers following his aspect’s 1–1 draw with Benin Republic within the second leg of their 2026 WAFCON qualifying tie on the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Regardless of advancing 3–1 on mixture, the efficiency left many supporters disenchanted, particularly after a lacklustre displaying on dwelling soil. Madugu described the end result as an “off day” for the group, admitting that the Tremendous Falcons failed to fulfill the excessive expectations that Nigerians have come to affiliate with the African champions.
“We all know what Nigerians anticipate from this group. The Tremendous Falcons are held to a excessive customary, and rightly so,” Madugu advised reporters after the match. “It wasn’t our greatest efficiency, and we didn’t play to the extent we’re able to. I take full accountability for that.”
The coach, nevertheless, mentioned the end result would function a beneficial wake-up name, stressing that the main target now shifts to bettering the squad forward of subsequent 12 months’s WAFCON in Morocco — a event that additionally serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Girls’s World Cup.
“Generally outcomes like this remind us that there’s all the time work to do,” he continued. “We’ve seen areas that want adjustment, and we are going to return to repair them. The purpose is to make sure the Falcons return to their highest.”
Madugu praised the gamers’ resilience and thanked the followers for his or her unwavering help regardless of the underwhelming show.
“We recognize the followers for sticking with us,” he added. “They’ve all the time been our greatest motivation, and we promise to provide them extra causes to rejoice within the coming months.”
The Tremendous Falcons will now regroup as preparations start for his or her subsequent aggressive fixtures later this 12 months.
