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Super Falcons Were Determined To Win, But Lost To South Africa Because Of Individual Errors – Madugu
Nigeria’s female national team, Super Falcons’ head coach, Justine Madugu has blamed his side’s loss to South Africa on individual errors by some of his players, but conceded that he has to take full responsibility for the defeat.
Sports247 reports that Thursday night’s 2-1 slump in Casablanca, Morocco means the Falcons have failed to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since it’s inception in 1991 and Madugu admitted he deeply regrets the setback.
Read Also: ‘This Is a Wake-Up Call’ — Ajibade Urges Super Falcons to Rise After Historic World Cup Failure | Sports247 Nigeria
He, however, commended his players for what he described as their gallant efforts and determination, then repeatedly apologised for the unprecedented yet historic setback at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026).
“I have to apologise to Nigerians for our inability to make it to the World Cup,” said the WAFCON 2024 winner in the same North African country. “We are very sorry, because it was not our intention to lose.
“Our players were determined to win, and they gave their all, but individual errors cost us the game. I am sorry and I take full responsibility for what happened, but there will always be a next time.”
Madugu continued to reflect on what went wrong during the play-off fixture, which was a last chance for the Falcons to stay in the race to Brazil 2027, and the embattled tactician admitted that his players lost too many scoring chances during the game.
“There were individual errors in terms of decision making. We had some chances but conversion was our problem. We were determined to win and it’s something that we really regret.
“We wanted to win, but we could; and we are sorry about it. This is something that has happened already, and there’s nothing we can do about it. I am sorry,” Madugu reiterated lamely.
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, says the party is in the 2027 election race to win and not to make numbers.
Baba-Ahmed made this statement at a strategic retreat organised for the party's leadership and candidates.
He charged the party's candidates to go out and convince Nigerians that PRP deserves their trust and their votes in 2027.
According to him, the party has the best presidential candidate in Donald Duke, adding that history and character have moulded him to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges to a deserved status of affluence, security and unity.
He also said that Duke's running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, is a study in principled loyalty, excellence in personal and professional life and unparalleled humility, which is tragically rare in current leaders.
Baba-Ahmed said the party also has governorship candidates who will be models of competent leadership, integrity and courage, stressing that they are candidates who will embody service, sacrifice and humility.
"We are PRP. We're in the 2027 race to win not to make numbers. We are products of a great tradition which insists that Nigeria can be great enough for all those who work honestly, and a nation which has the same place for the weak and the vulnerable as it has for those who are trusted with power or possess wealth," Baba-Ahmed said.
According to him, the party is under no illusions that its tasks will be easy, stating that the party will be competing in very hostile environments where incumbents fear change, while PRP champions it.
He said the party will find resistance from politicians who bribe the people for their future, while PRP asks for trust and the courage to choose quality and integrity.
On his part, the party's presidential candidate, Donald Duke, took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying it is enjoying too much advantage when it comes to campaign visibility.
According to him, opposition parties are finding it hard to get venues and places to put their adverts as the 2027 elections draw near.
He said the problem is making it harder and harder for opposition candidates to reach voters in different parts of the country.
Nigerian female tennis umpire, Rose Onoja Abu, has earned recognition after officiating at the WTA 125 tournament in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant milestone in her professional career and another proud moment for Nigerian tennis.
Sports247 reports that the tournament made history as the first-ever WTA 125 event to be staged on African soil, bringing an important international women’s tennis competition to the continent. Abu’s involvement as an official at the landmark event further highlights Nigeria’s growing presence beyond the playing court in international tennis.
Her appointment and participation represent an encouraging achievement for Nigerian sports officiating, particularly for women working to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of international tennis administration.
Officiating at a tournament of this level requires professionalism, consistency, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the rules of the game. Abu’s presence at the Luanda event reflects the value of dedication and sustained commitment to developing a career in sports officiating.
The achievement also provides inspiration for aspiring Nigerian umpires and other sports professionals, demonstrating that opportunities at the highest levels can emerge through discipline, diligence and continuous improvement.
For Nigerian tennis, milestones such as this are important in showcasing the contributions of officials who help drive the sport forward, often away from the spotlight enjoyed by players.
While the WTA 125 assignment represents a significant step in Abu’s journey, it could also serve as a platform for greater opportunities on the international stage.
With consistency and continued dedication, the ambition of seeing a Nigerian umpire officiate at a Grand Slam tournament remains a possibility worth pursuing.
Congratulations to Rose Onoja Abu on this remarkable achievement. The journey continues, and a Grand Slam appearance could be the next milestone.
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