A fact-finding committee set up by the past executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over a poor outing by the Super Falcons at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2026) has declared that the players are not to blame.
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Sports247 reports that, while many Nigerians are still critical of the players’ inability to beat Cameroon and South Africa in crucial matches that had a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake, the committee thought otherwise and exonerated the lasses.
Observers pointed accusing fingers at the Falcons for an apparent lack of effort in their opening match versus debuting Malawi, which they eventually lost 3-2 and paved the way for a horrendous outing, which ended with them missing the World Cup for the first time ever.
At that point, speculation rose that the players entered the match with ill feelings over delayed rewards from their previous conquest of the competition for the tenth time, while other analysts said it was due to a switch in tactics by the team’s technical crew.
However, instead of blaming the players, the committee headed by 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach Fanny Amun, who is also a former secretary-general and technical director of the NFF, faulted the Falcons’ crew and officials in the football governing body.
In contrast to critical opinion, the committee also noted in its report that it did not find any evidence that individual players exerted undue influence over technical decisions, adding that they were generally cooperative and there was no evidence of factions within the squad.
On the other hand, the committee criticized what it described as uncontrolled access of officials to national team camps, then went on to recommend stricter regulations governing access to players and technical areas, while also noting the need for improvements beyond immediate concerns of the team.
The report added: “The committee identified the need for a clearer definition of responsibilities within technical teams, particularly concerning analysts and other support personnel. Clearly defined roles would help prevent confusion and strengthen accountability within national team setups.
“The committee called for clear camp protocols, specifying who should have access to players and under what circumstances. Strengthening camp administration would help create an environment where coaches can exercise their technical responsibilities without unnecessary interference.
“The committee proposed reforms covering talent identification, scouting, player development and national team management. It recommended a structured framework for identifying and developing players, supported by improved data management and modern age-verification technology.”
Sports247 reports further that, as part of a wider indictment of NFF officials and team administrators, the committee also called for earlier preparation of national teams for major competitions, improved coaching education and stronger regulation of domestic competitions.
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