NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Eagles’ World Cup failure
Story by Mercy Adaje
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a heartfelt apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians nationwide following the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The national team fell to DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout during the African play-off final held on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco—dashing hopes of Nigeria’s return to the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Monday, the NFF described the defeat as “a moment of profound sadness,” stressing that missing a second consecutive World Cup carries “great weight and emotional depth” for the country.
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The statement read in part:
“The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole, and to millions of Nigerians—most especially our passionate, loyal football fans—following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
“Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. For a nation where the Super Eagles serve as a symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth.”
The Federation added that it fully acknowledges the enormous expectations placed on the team and accepts responsibility for not delivering the result the nation deserved.
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