Sports
Tinubu Sends Important Message to Super Eagles after World Cup Playoff Defeat
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to stay focused and recover quickly after their 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoffs.
- President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to stay focused and recover quickly after their 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoffs.
President Bola Tinubu has sent a strong message of encouragement to the Super Eagles following their 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Through Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the team for their determination and resilience during the qualifying matches, noting that their efforts, particularly the first-leg win against Gabon, deserved recognition despite the elimination.

“Although the loss was painful, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said. “It is now crucial to focus on the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco. Our football administrators, players, and all stakeholders must return to the drawing board and work to restore our footballing glory.”
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The president’s message comes as Nigeria faces a second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, following their dramatic 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty defeat to DR Congo, highlighting the urgent need to address the team’s challenges ahead of continental competition.


