NFF Fact-Finding Report Reveals Fresh Details On Super Falcons’ Crisis

Details of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) fact-finding committee’s report have emerged, outlining several concerns and recommendations following the Super Falcons’ failure to retain the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title and their failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

According to Ireporter Online, the six-member committee was established by the NFF to investigate the factors responsible for Nigeria’s disappointing performances at recent international competitions, with particular attention given to the women’s national team.

The four-page report, chaired by former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach Ambassador Fanny Amun, examined issues ranging from football administration and finances to technical development, grassroots football, league management and the welfare of national team players.

The panel also included Dr Alex Mana, former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie, Ladan Bosso and Mutiu Adepoju, while Nasiru Jibril served as secretary.

On allegations of player influence within the Super Falcons, the committee said it found no evidence that any player dictated team selection. It also examined the responsibilities of the team analyst and the structure of the technical crew.

The panel investigated defender Ashleigh Plumptre’s injury situation and concluded that she had undergone surgery and was medically unfit to participate. The findings were reportedly supported by medical personnel in Nigeria and at her foreign club.

However, the committee raised concerns about unrestricted access to the Super Falcons’ camp, saying officials should not be allowed to enter and operate within the camp without proper authorisation. It called for clearer regulations governing camp management and team operations.

The report recommended a more organised approach to player development, welfare and national team administration, while urging the NFF to adopt separate development strategies for men’s and women’s football.

It also called for regular training and retraining of administrative and technical personnel, alongside greater use of data technology and proper verification of information to address issues such as age discrepancies and documentation.

On domestic football, the committee recommended improved funding and organisation for the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Nationwide League and Nigeria Women’s Football League.

It further called for stronger coaching education and certification, describing the Super Six competition as an important platform for scouting and national team development.

The panel urged the NFF to begin preparations for international competitions much earlier and establish a transparent process for identifying and selecting players based on fitness and current performance.

It also recommended standardised remuneration and reward systems for national teams, with clearer and more equitable payment structures for players and officials.

The committee expressed concern about the influence of social media and external interests on team unity, urging football authorities to take measures to protect team cohesion.

The issue of missing funds during the Super Falcons’ stay in Morocco was also revisited, with the panel recommending that such matters receive attention at the highest level of the federation.

Beyond the Falcons, the report highlighted broader allegations concerning the administration of Nigerian football. These included claims that some NFF board members influenced player invitations and that certain officials and coaches allegedly sought financial benefits from national team selections.

The committee also referenced allegations of unequal payments to members of national team delegations and claims that some officials received incentives to influence decisions concerning player call-ups.

However, the panel stressed that the allegations must be subjected to proper internal verification before conclusions are reached or disciplinary measures taken.

The committee also criticised the prolonged occupancy of some lucrative federation positions, warning that it could fuel rivalry within the football administration.

It recommended amendments to the NFF statutes and proposed that Congress members should possess relevant knowledge, credibility and experience, with a maximum of two terms in office.

The panel ultimately urged the football federation to demonstrate political will and focus on reforms that are practical, realistic and capable of producing measurable improvements in Nigerian football.