The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tendered an official apology to the Nigerian populace following the Super Eagles’ failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s World Cup dream came to a disappointing end after Sunday’s 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the CAF World Cup play-offs final.
In an official statement released on Monday, the governing body of Nigerian football apologized to the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the citizens of the country, acknowledging the disappointment of missing a second consecutive World Cup.
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“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 NFF, the technical crew, and the players understand the gravity of this moment. We understand the expectations Nigerians rightly hold. We understand the passion and sacrifice of a country that has always stood firmly behind its team, through triumphs and trials. And we recognise that our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved.”
Super Eagles to focus on AFCON
According to the statement, the Super Eagles will now turn their focus to the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco in one month’s time.
“As we look forward, our immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly. This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football.
“In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will enter into a rigorous review process, honest, uncompromising, and strategic. We will evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to this outcome. And we will take decisive steps to reposition our national teams for future success.”
The Super Eagles will be hunting for a fourth continental triumph when the AFCON kicks off in December and while lifting the trophy in Morocco cannot completely make up for the disappointment of back-to-back World Cup misses, it will definitely smoothen the recovery process.
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