Nigeria’s anger is understandable.

The Super Falcons have suffered a historic setback. For the first time since the Women’s World Cup began in 1991, Nigeria will miss the tournament after a 2–1 defeat to South Africa ended their route to Brazil 2027.

There should be accountability, and Coach Justin Madugu should be part of that conversation. His tactics, selections, substitutions and preparation deserve serious critique.

But the conversation should not stop with him.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗴𝘂

The same Madugu now facing intense anger also led Nigeria to the 2024 WAFCON title last year, after taking charge less than two months before the tournament.

Nigeria came from two goals down to beat Morocco 3–2 and win a record-extending 10th African title.

That does not make him immune from critique or guarantee that he should remain coach. But it demands consistency.

When Nigeria won, the players received much of the praise. When Nigeria lost, the coach became the overwhelming target.

Success is collective. Failure should be examined collectively too.

𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽

Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana were among the four semi-finalists at the previous WAFCON.

At WAFCON 2026, none of them reached the semi-finals. Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria and Malawi did.

Women’s football in Africa is growing. Investment is increasing. Coaching is improving. The competitive gap is narrowing.

Nigeria has to grow with the game.

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲

Fans have every right to question Madugu, the players and the NFF.

But critique should not become abuse.

Sometimes critics feel like small gods after a defeat because they can say, “I told you so.”

But predicting failure is not the same as understanding it.

The real question is not “Who was right?”

It is “Why did this happen, and what needs to change?”

If Madugu leaves tomorrow, Nigeria will still need better preparation, stronger international friendlies, improved player development, better technical support and a clearer long-term plan.

Changing the coach is not the same thing as changing the system.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

The Super Falcons have won 10 WAFCON titles and represented Nigeria at every Women’s World Cup until now.

They deserve serious, sustained investment.

Better preparation. Better facilities. Better friendlies. Better player welfare. Better sports science. Better domestic development.

We cannot demand equality on the scoreboard while accepting inequality in preparation.

This failure should be a turning point.

Don’t attack the players unfairly.

Don’t attack the coach unfairly.

But don’t shield anyone from legitimate critique either.

African women’s football is growing.

Nigeria cannot afford to stand still.

Full detailed article in above

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Tinubu Signs Deep Offshore Tax Incentive Order to Attract $50bn Investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a new fiscal framework designed to unlock up to $50 billion in investment in Nigeria’s deep offshore oil and gas sector.

The President approved the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, as part of efforts to revive major offshore projects that have remained stalled because of investment and regulatory challenges.

The new order introduces a clearer and more predictable investment framework, replacing project-by-project negotiations with defined eligibility requirements and implementation procedures.

According to the Presidency, the policy is intended to provide greater certainty for investors while protecting Nigeria’s long-term economic interests. It is also expected to support the development of major deepwater projects and strengthen crude oil and gas production.

Tinubu targets $50bn deepwater investment

The Federal Government expects the new deep offshore tax incentives to attract as much as $50 billion in fresh investment, potentially reviving large-scale projects that require significant capital and advanced offshore technology.

One of the projects expected to benefit from the renewed investment environment is the proposed Bonga South West development, which has an estimated investment requirement of about $10 billion.

The framework is also aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for deep offshore oil and gas investment in Africa.

New incentives to boost Nigeria’s oil sector

Under the new policy, eligible offshore developments can access supplementary incentives subject to specific conditions, including requirements relating to Nigerian content and domestic project execution.

The Presidency said qualifying projects will be encouraged to maximise activities carried out within Nigeria where commercially and technically feasible.

This could increase opportunities for Nigerian engineering companies, fabrication yards, marine logistics operators, technical service providers and other businesses connected to the oil and gas value chain.

Government seeks higher oil production and jobs

The Tinubu administration said the policy is not solely focused on attracting foreign capital but also on increasing domestic economic activity generated by major offshore developments.

The government expects renewed investment to support oil production growth, job creation, local supply chains and industrial development.

The latest deepwater investment framework represents another major oil and gas policy measure by the Tinubu administration as Nigeria seeks to attract long-term capital and strengthen its position in the global energy market.

With the new 2026 Deep Offshore Tax Remission Order, the Federal Government hopes to restart delayed offshore oil projects, increase investment in Nigeria’s energy sector and unlock billions of dollars in potential economic activity.

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have lost their chance to secure an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, sending the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals.

The Super Falcons dominated large spells of the match, particularly in the latter stages, but were unable to find an equaliser as Cameroon held on for a crucial victory.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s defence of the WAFCON title and denied the reigning champions an automatic place at next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria had been seeking a record-extending 10th appearance at the Women’s World Cup and entered the quarter-final as defending African champions.

Cameroon will now face hosts Morocco in the WAFCON semi-finals after Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 in their quarter-final.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons head into the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with far more than the defence of their continental crown at stake.

The reigning African champions face Cameroon in a crucial quarter-final in Morocco on Sunday, with a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil also within reach.

For head coach Justine Madugu, the challenge is to ensure Nigeria can handle the pressure of a match that could determine both their WAFCON ambitions and their immediate World Cup future.

Super Falcons have two targets in Morocco

Nigeria arrived at the tournament with two major objectives: retain the WAFCON title and qualify for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons are the most successful team in the history of the competition, having won the continental title 10 times.

Their latest triumph came in 2025, when they defeated hosts Morocco to claim a record-extending 10th crown.

However, their status as defending champions does not guarantee an easy route to another final.

The expanded 2026 tournament has increased the number of teams competing for continental supremacy, while the knockout stage leaves little room for mistakes.

Cameroon stands between Nigeria and the next stage

Nigeria’s quarter-final opponent, Cameroon, represents one of the most experienced teams in African women’s football.

The Indomitable Lionesses reached the last eight after finishing top of their group, setting up a heavyweight encounter with the defending champions.

Cameroon will see the fixture as an opportunity to eliminate one of the tournament favourites, while Nigeria know that any lapse could bring their title defence to an abrupt end.

The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure a direct ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Madugu knows the stakes

Madugu has acknowledged the importance of the encounter and believes his players understand what is at stake.

The coach has also indicated that Nigeria must improve as the competition moves into its decisive phase.

That improvement will be particularly important against Cameroon, a side capable of making the game physical and testing Nigeria’s defensive organisation.

Madugu’s approach to squad management has also attracted attention, with the coach explaining his rotation strategy as he attempts to keep his players fresh during the tournament.

A difficult road to another title

The Super Falcons have not had a completely straightforward tournament.

Nigeria suffered a 3-2 defeat to Malawi in the group stage before recovering and securing their place in the quarter-finals.

The setback served as a warning that Nigeria cannot rely solely on their historical dominance to progress.

Their performance against Cameroon will therefore be closely watched, particularly in areas such as defensive concentration, chance conversion and the ability to control the game under pressure.

World Cup qualification adds another layer of pressure

The World Cup qualification aspect could make the Cameroon clash particularly tense.

For Nigeria, reaching the semi-finals would accomplish an important objective even before the team begins thinking about another WAFCON final.

A defeat, on the other hand, would end the title defence and leave their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup in serious jeopardy.

That makes Sunday’s encounter effectively a qualification final for the Super Falcons.

Nigeria’s experience could prove decisive

Despite the challenges, Nigeria possess considerable tournament experience.

Several members of the squad have played at major international tournaments, while the team has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to handle pressure on the continental stage.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie are among the players expected to provide leadership as Nigeria attempt to navigate the knockout stage.

Nnadozie previously described the team’s objectives as securing the World Cup ticket while retaining the WAFCON trophy, stressing that the players cannot afford to become complacent at any stage.

Cameroon clash could define Nigeria’s campaign

The Super Falcons entered Morocco as defending champions and one of the leading contenders for the trophy.

But the Cameroon quarter-final represents the point at which reputation must give way to performance.

Victory would send Nigeria into the semi-finals, secure their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and keep their pursuit of an 11th WAFCON title alive.

Defeat would produce a very different outcome.

For Madugu and his players, Sunday’s contest is therefore not simply another knockout match.

It is the game that could determine whether Nigeria’s 2026 WAFCON campaign becomes another chapter in the Super Falcons’ history of dominance or a reminder that defending a continental crown is often harder than winning it in the first place.

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According to the Executive Director, API, Prof Bell Ihua, who formally unveiled the report at a National Social Cohesion Dialogue in Abuja, computed Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) at 48.8%. This index represents a 2-percentage-point increase from last year’s, and the highest index recorded since the study commenced. Although the index remains marginally below the average 50 per cent threshold. This upward trend suggests that Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and a commitment to coexistence despite prevailing hardships.

Prof Ihua also said the survey findings indicate persistent trust among citizens in religious and traditional leaders, and very little trust in the government and public institutions. Specifically, 51% and 45% of Nigerians expressed significant trust in religious and traditional leaders, respectively, compared with only 28% who trust the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and 23% who trust the National Assembly.

According to him, API, with support from the Ford Foundation, conducted the national citizen survey to measure the state of social cohesion in Nigeria between January and February 2025, which a total of 5,315 interviews were conducted via Face-to-face Household visits using the Stratified Random Sampling technique with citizens aged 15 years and above. The interviews were conducted in five major languages: English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, and geographic quotas were assigned to ensure that all States and senatorial districts were proportionately represented in the sample.

He also explained that the concept of social cohesion refers to the willingness of a country’s citizens to cooperate and work together to ensure the country’s survival and prosperity, despite tribal, religious, social, or political differences.

He said drawing from the literature, and building upon the 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2025 rounds of surveys, 14 indicators were instrumentalised to measure social cohesion in Nigeria – Identity; Trust; Social Justice & Equity; Civic Participation; Tolerance; Gender Equity; Disability & Inclusion, Impunity; Corruption; Natural Resource Governance; Polarization; Security & Peacebuilding; Coping Strategies; Migration; and Self-worth and Future Expectations.

He said: “This assessment places the National Assembly as the least trusted institution in the country, a position previously held by the Police, with 24% trust in the current survey.”

Meanwhile, the report reads in part, “Identity’ Indicator; The survey revealed that 46% of Nigerians “feel truly proud of Nigeria”, compared to 41% who feel really disappointed in the country; while 11% feel indifferent. Also, 44% of Nigerians are proud of being equally identified as Nigerian and from their ethnic group; while 29% identify more with their ethnicity than with being Nigerian, compared to only 11% feel more Nigerian than ethnic.

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“‘Trust Indicator’; the survey reported that 72% of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in the government of President Bola Tinubu, down 11-points from 83% in 2025. Similarly, 77% expressed little to no trust in the National Assembly, while 73% expressed little to no trust in the judiciary. Comparatively, 49% expressed little to no trust in religious leaders, while 55% expressed little to no trust in traditional leaders.

“‘Civic Participation & Patriotism’ Indicator; 71% of citizens are “Extremely or Somewhat Willing” to sacrifice or give up something of interest for the collective good of the nation; 77% are “Extremely or Somewhat Willing” to cooperate with fellow citizens from other ethnic groups to make Nigeria more united; and 73% are “Extremely or Somewhat Willing” to participate in the political process to make Nigeria a better place for all. Also, 89% expressed willingness to support inter-ethnic marriages, compared with 62% who supported inter-faith marriages.

“‘Polarization’ Indicator’; the data on polarization provided mixed reactions. On the one hand, 48% believe the country is much more divided today than it was four years ago, up 17-points from 31% in 2025. On the other hand, 20% believe the country is much more united today than it was four years ago. This statistic also increased by 10 points, from 10% of respondents who thought the country was more united in 2025. Political party affiliation (56%) was identified as the most significant factor leading to conflicts and divisions in communities, followed by ethnic (46%) and religious (44%) differences.

“‘Gender Equity’ Indicator; 69% of Nigerians agree that women should be allowed to lead in all aspects of society, especially in politics and corporate entities, and 62% agree that women should be given equal entitlement to family inheritances. Another 84% believe boys and girls should have equal access to education. Furthermore, 66% agree that women who marry into other states should be allowed to claim benefits in both their state of origin and their husband’s state. 60% say they would vote for a woman as President of Nigeria, 66% as Governor, 73% as Local Government Chairperson.

“‘Self-Worth and Future Expectation’ Indicator; Regarding self-worth, 45% of Nigerians feel “Extremely or Somewhat Dissatisfied” about their lives as Nigerians right now, compared to 41% who feel “Extremely or Somewhat Satisfied”; while 55% would consider relocating abroad with family members if offered the opportunity. Conversely, 28% said they would not be willing to relocate, up 7 points from 21% in 2025. Consequently, 61% of citizens believe that the future of the country would be much better than it is presently, up 5-points from 56% in 2025.”

Meanwhile, the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey and the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index, said the overall results, with a score of 48.8%, indicate that Nigeria still falls below the average (50%) threshold for social cohesion. Particularly significant in the 2026 survey is the finding that, for the first time since the survey’s inception, the majority of respondents identified primarily as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious, or regional affiliations. This shift represents an important milestone in the country’s nation-building journey and points to a strengthening sense of shared national identity.

In its recommendation, the API said the government must now match citizens’ momentum with structural reforms; Nigeria requires a National Social Cohesion Commission focused on fostering inclusive governance, national identity, unity, peaceful coexistence, trust, civic participation, social justice and positive future expectations; and the majority Nigerian-first identification is the country’s most important social capital right now, and it must be protected and nurtured; and Social Cohesion desk in every Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) of government, to ensure that development plans and public policies are inclusive and socially-cohesive.

VANGUARD

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