Thomas Dennerby Emerges Top Contender For Super Falcons Job

Thomas Dennerby has emerged as a leading contender to return as head coach of the Super Falcons as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) moves to appoint a new technical crew ahead of the team’s 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign.

According to Ireporter Online, the 65-year-old Swedish coach is currently regarded as one of the top candidates for the position, with former Super Falcons coach Florence Omagbemi and other Nigerian coaches also reportedly under consideration.

The NFF’s interim leadership, headed by Emmanuel Ikpeme, is expected to conclude the appointment process before Nigeria’s first Olympic qualifying fixture against Comoros in October.

The move follows the NFF’s decision in August to ask Justine Madugu and his technical team to step aside after the Super Falcons failed to retain their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco and subsequently missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Madugu had previously led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in 2025 before his technical team was asked to leave.

National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, had earlier confirmed that a new technical team would be appointed ahead of the Olympic qualifiers, stressing the importance of securing Nigeria’s return to the Games.

Dennerby previously managed the Super Falcons from January 2018 to September 2019. During his tenure, he guided Nigeria to victory at the 2018 WAFCON in Ghana and led the team to the knockout stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

His tenure with the national team ended following an administrative dispute with the NFF. He later took charge of the Indian women’s national team, a position he held until his contract expired in 2023.

Omagbemi is also reportedly being considered for the role, having previously guided Nigeria to the 2016 WAFCON title.

Nigeria returned to the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics after a 16-year absence but were eliminated at the group stage.

The Super Falcons will now begin their bid to qualify for the 2028 Olympics with a fixture against Comoros in October. Comoros advanced to the second qualifying round after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.