NFF Apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians After Super Eagles Miss 2026 World Cup

• The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued an apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation has issued an apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking back-to-back World Cup absences for the first time since 1994.

Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has publicly apologised to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerian football fans.

The Super Eagles took an early lead in the third minute through a deflected strike from Frank Onyeka, but Meschak Elia equalised for DR Congo later in the first half. After 120 minutes with no further goals, DR Congo won the match on penalties, securing a place in the final stage of the qualifying play-offs.

This loss means Nigeria has now missed back-to-back World Cup tournaments, a first since their debut in 1994.

In a statement on Monday, the NFF described the defeat as a sad moment for Nigerian football.

“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 World Cup finals,” the statement read.

The NFF acknowledged the emotional impact of the loss, highlighting the deep disappointment felt by both players and fans.

“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 also expressed gratitude for the support received from the Federal Government and Nigerian football fans during the qualifying campaign.

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“Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world. Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language… a powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family.”

Looking ahead, the NFF said the team’s focus has shifted to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.

“This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football. 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 NFF concluded with a pledge to restore confidence in Nigerian football.

“We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage. We will not allow this disappointment to be the final word on Nigerian football. Nigeria is a nation of resilience, of spirit, of unyielding hope. Just as our people rise from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles.”