Ex-players warn Falcons ahead Olympics qualifier

Former Super Falcons captains Desire Oparanozie, Patience Avre, and Kikelomo Ajayi have cautioned that Nigeria cannot rely on past success as the team prepares to resume its 2028 Women’s Olympic qualification campaign in October under new management. Nigeria's Olympic record ended in 2026 when the Super Falcons were eliminated in the quarter-final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.

The loss, coupled with a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the CAF play-off, resulted in automatic disqualification from the World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently dismissed the technical staff, including coach Justine Madugu, goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, goalkeeper coach Auwal Makwalla, and video analyst/performance coach Igor Krulj and Per Karlsson.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, indicated that a new technical crew would be in place before the Falcons face Comoros in their October qualifier. Ajayi emphasized that Nigeria must abandon its focus on the past and build a new era of success. "We have not lost our glory, but it is a warning that the rest of Africa has caught up and become much more competitive," she said.

Oparanozie called for a comprehensive rebuild, advocating for a new coach, increased opportunities for younger players, and improvements in coaching, tactics, player development, and grassroots football.