The Super Falcons coaching team is taking shape ahead of Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, with former Nigeria international Ayisat Yusuf joining Christopher Danjuma as an assistant coach under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen.
The appointments bring two different forms of experience into the setup. Yusuf offers a former player’s perspective after representing Nigeria at major international tournaments, while Danjuma has previously worked with the country’s women’s national teams.
Ayisat Yusuf Returns to the Super Falcons Setup
The appointment of Ayisat Yusuf as Super Falcons assistant coach gives the team a coach who understands the demands of playing for Nigeria at the highest level.
Yusuf represented the Super Falcons and was part of Nigeria’s squads at the 2007 Women’s World Cup and the 2008 Olympic Games. She also played for clubs including Nasarawa Amazons, Delta Queens and Rivers Angels.
After her playing career, Yusuf moved into coaching in Finland, where she has also worked on football programmes supporting immigrant women and girls. That background could be useful as Nigeria begins another attempt to return to the Olympic women’s football tournament.
Danjuma Brings National-Team Experience
Christopher Danjuma also adds familiarity with the Super Falcons environment. Danjuma previously served as interim coach of the senior women’s national team after Edwin Okon’s departure in 2015. He has also worked with Nigeria’s under-20 women’s team and has been involved in developing young players.
His return alongside Yusuf gives Eguavoen a coaching team with experience across both senior and youth women’s football.
A New Start Before the Olympic Qualifiers
The changes come as Nigeria prepares for the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, giving the new technical team limited time to establish its plans and assess the squad.
For Eguavoen, the immediate challenge will be turning the coaching changes into a team capable of navigating qualification. Nigeria missed the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making the next campaign another important opportunity.
The wider question is whether the temporary coaching arrangement can provide enough stability for the Super Falcons or become the beginning of a longer-term technical structure.
For now, the focus is on qualification. Bringing in former players and experienced women’s coaches suggests Nigeria is looking to combine knowledge of the national team environment with a fresh approach as the Falcons begin their Olympic journey.
