As preparations intensify for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reinstated Swedish fitness expert Per Karlsson to the Super Falcons’ technical crew.
Karlsson, a former elite hammer thrower, previously served on the Super Falcons’ backroom staff under then-head coach Thomas Dennerby, alongside current interim coach Justin Madugu.
His contributions were pivotal as Nigeria secured a record-extending ninth WAFCON title in 2018 and advanced to the knockout stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
— Samuel Ahmadu
Welcome back
Swedish fitness coach Per Karlsson
The former hammer thrower was part of Thomas Dennerby's led technical crew which included Justin Madugu and Maureen Madu
♦️Won 2018 Wafcon with
♦️2019 @FIFAWWC knockout stage @thenff means business with #MissionX pic.twitter.com/kKIEaM1bGT(@samueloahmadu) May 29, 2025
Renowned for his multidisciplinary expertise across athletics, football, and ice hockey, Karlsson is expected to significantly boost the team’s conditioning, recovery, and overall physical preparedness.
“Per was with the Nigerian team before. He was a hammer throw athlete who could throw over 75 metres. He’s very strong and has been working with endurance training for track and field athletes, football, hockey, and more,” a source within the team’s technical setup confirmed.
His return aligns with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau’s broader strategy to bolster the Super Falcons and reassert Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Karlsson joins interim head coach Justin Madugu, former captain Ann Chiejine, and goalkeeper trainer Auwar Bashir Makwalla on the Super Falcons’ technical bench.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group B at WAFCON 2024, where the team will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in the group stage.
