Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has defended the Super Falcons’ preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, admitting that securing quality international friendlies proved difficult ahead of the tournament.
Gusau explained that the increasing competitiveness of women’s football globally has made it more difficult to arrange suitable opposition, with some federations unable to afford the cost of travelling to Nigeria.
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According to the NFF president, the federation made several attempts to organise high-level preparation matches but was sometimes forced to shoulder the financial burden of hosting visiting teams.
Nigeria eventually secured two friendly matches against Senegal in June, with both games played during the FIFA international window.
Gusau also addressed the Super Falcons’ participation in the Unity Cup in London, explaining that the competition could not provide the same level of preparation because it was played outside the FIFA women’s international window.
The timing meant clubs were not obliged to release their players, limiting the ability of the national team to assemble its strongest squad.
The NFF president said the challenges were part of the wider difficulties facing women’s football, insisting that the global game has become increasingly competitive and that more countries now possess the quality to produce unexpected results.
Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign ultimately ended in disappointment. The Super Falcons lost to Malawi in their opening group match, recovered to defeat Zambia, and then suffered a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon.
Their subsequent 2–1 loss to South Africa in the World Cup play-off ended Nigeria’s historic run of qualifying for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
Gusau appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and positive as the federation continues working to improve preparation for the national teams.
The NFF president’s comments come amid increased scrutiny of the federation’s planning following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
