By Ben Ogbemudia, Abeokuta
As the countdown to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco begins, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pulled a strategic move by bringing back renowned fitness coach, Per Karlsson to beef up the Super Falcons’ preparation.
Karlsson isn’t new to Nigerian football. The former elite hammer thrower was part of the backroom staff that helped the Super Falcons win the 2018 WAFCON in Ghana and make it to the knockout stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
A versatile strength and conditioning coach with cross-sport expertise spanning football, athletics, and ice hockey, Karlsson is praised for his rigorous but adaptable approach, especially in developing young athletes.
“He’s worked extensively with 15 to 17-year-olds,” said a team insider. “That’s vital. If you’ve only coached seniors, your expectations can be unrealistic. Karlsson knows how to build from the ground up.”
Now back on the team, Karlsson joins a revamped technical crew led by interim head coach Justin Madugu, alongside ex-goalkeeper and team captain Ann Chiejine, and goalkeeper trainer Auwar Bashir Makwalla.
His return underscores NFF President Ibrahim Gusau’s ambition to reclaim the WAFCON crown and re-establish Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. With a tight match schedule and high expectations, Karlsson’s expertise in recovery and stamina training may just be the Falcons’ secret weapon.
The Falcons are in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana and expectations are sky-high.