NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerian fans over World Cup mishap

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, especially members of the football fraternity, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. On Sunday, November 16, the three-time Africa champions lost 3-4 on penalties to Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of […]

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, especially members of the football fraternity, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
On Sunday, November 16, the three-time Africa champions lost 3-4 on penalties to Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup playoff, which crushed their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The latest mishap makes it three times- 2006, 2022, and 2026- since 1994 that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the global showpiece.
Following this latest football disaster, Nigerians have expressed their disappointment in the Super Eagles and the football federation, with many calling for a total overhaul of the team and the football federation.
However, the NFF in a statement yesterday said the loss to DR Congo in Rabat is 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 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
“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.”
The NFF, therefore, promised to make amends as quickly as possible beginning with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
“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.
We make this solemn commitment to the people of Nigeria: 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,” said the NFF.