Dennerby and Omagbemi Linked with Super Falcons Coaching Vacancy

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Super Falcons coaches Thomas Dennerby and Florence Omagbemi have emerged as leading candidates for the vacant national team job as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prepares to appoint a new head coach ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign.

According to reports, the NFF is currently in talks with Swedish tactician Dennerby over a possible return to the Super Falcons. Nigerian coaches, including Omagbemi, also remain under consideration for the role.

The coaching position became vacant after the NFF asked Justine Madugu and his technical crew to step aside following Nigeria’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Falcons, who entered the tournament as defending champions, failed to retain the title and subsequently missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup — the first time the team has failed to reach the global finals since the tournament’s inception.

The NFF’s interim leadership, headed by Emmanuel Ikpeme, is keen to finalise the appointment before the Falcons resume their Olympic qualifying campaign against Comoros in October. National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade has previously stressed the need for a new technical team, noting the importance of preparing adequately for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Dennerby is no stranger to the Super Falcons. The Swedish coach took charge of the team between January 2018 and September 2019. During his tenure, he guided Nigeria to the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title in Ghana and led the side to the knockout stages of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France — their first appearance in the last 16 for 20 years.

Omagbemi, one of Nigeria’s most successful former players and coaches, remains another strong contender. She led the Super Falcons to the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Nigerian coaches in the team’s history.

With the Olympic qualifiers fast approaching, the NFF is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks as it seeks to provide the Super Falcons with fresh technical direction following a challenging period.