ISMDS kicks against Madugu’s sack, urges NFF to give Falcons Coach more time

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Institute of Sports Management and Development Studies (ISMDS) has kicked against the reported dismissal of Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, and his technical crew by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urging the football governing body to reconsider the decision and give the coach more time to develop the team.

The institute described Madugu as one of the best coaches in Nigeria, stressing that he deserves adequate time and institutional support to strengthen the Super Falcons and address the challenges confronting the team.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Institute of Sports Management and Development Studies, Rev. Stanley Ihedigbo.

According to Ihedigbo, the decision to dispense with the services of Madugu following the Falcons’ failure to achieve the desired World Cup qualification result may be too hasty, particularly given the coach’s experience and previous contributions to Nigerian women’s football.

He urged the NFF to look beyond the immediate disappointment and consider the need for continuity, stability and proper technical development in the national team.

The statement noted that football development requires patience and consistent investment, adding that constantly changing coaches whenever a team suffers a setback could undermine long-term progress.

Ihedigbo said Madugu should be allowed to learn from the team’s recent shortcomings, identify areas requiring improvement and work with the players and technical team to build a stronger and more competitive Super Falcons side.

The ISMDS CEO and Registrar further stressed the importance of giving Nigerian coaches the opportunity to prove their capabilities, particularly when they have demonstrated the capacity to manage national teams at the highest level.

He maintained that Madugu remains one of the country’s best coaches and should therefore not be judged solely on the basis of one disappointing outcome.

The institute also called on the NFF and other stakeholders in Nigerian football to examine the broader circumstances surrounding the Falcons’ performance before reaching a final conclusion on the coach’s future.

According to ISMDS, issues relating to preparation, player availability, logistics, technical support and overall football administration should also be considered when assessing the performance of a national team.

The institute said a change of coach does not automatically guarantee improved results, stressing that sustainable success comes from proper planning, continuity and the development of a clear football philosophy.

Ihedigbo appealed to the NFF to reconsider the reported decision and allow Madugu sufficient time to consolidate his work with the Super Falcons.

He said the priority should be to strengthen the team and provide the technical crew with the necessary support rather than resorting to frequent changes whenever results fall below expectations.

The institute also urged Nigerian football authorities to invest more in indigenous coaches and create an environment where they can acquire experience, develop their tactical abilities and compete favourably at the international level.

The ISMDS maintained that Madugu’s previous achievements and knowledge of Nigerian women’s football should be taken into consideration in determining his future.

The institute, therefore, appealed to the NFF to adopt a more patient and strategic approach to the management of the Super Falcons.

It said continuity would provide Madugu with an opportunity to correct the team’s weaknesses, improve its performance and restore confidence among players and supporters.

The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to place the long-term development of Nigerian football above short-term reactions to disappointing results.