By Femi Atolagbe
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has constituted a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the poor performances of the country’s national teams in international competitions, with particular attention to the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The committee, headed by former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, was announced following the Super Falcons’ disappointing campaign at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Nigeria, the reigning champions and 10-time winners of the continental competition, were eliminated in the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat by South Africa in the subsequent play-off for a place in the Inter-Confederations Play-Offs.
The result means the Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, ending Nigeria’s unbroken appearance at the tournament since its inaugural edition in 1991.
The setback represents a significant blow to a side that has long been regarded as the dominant force in African women’s football.
The NFF said the committee would examine the circumstances surrounding the national teams’ recent performances and make findings aimed at addressing the factors responsible for the decline.
Amun will be joined on the panel by former Nigeria Under-20 coach and President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso; former Super Falcons captain, multiple Women’s AFCON winner and FIFA World Cup player Desire Oparanozie; former Super Eagles captain, AFCON winner and FIFA World Cup star Mutiu Adepoju; and former FIFA referee Dr Alex Mana.
Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Mallam Mohammed Nasir Sa’idu, will serve as secretary.
The committee is expected to provide an assessment of the factors behind Nigeria’s recent struggles and offer recommendations on how to restore the national teams to their previous competitive standing.