The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement issued by its Communications Department, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family accepted responsibility for the setback.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons.”
The federation also issued a direct apology to President Tinubu, citing his support for Nigerian sports and the Super Falcons.
“We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment.”
The NFF said Tinubu had demonstrated strong support for women’s sports, particularly through the rewards and recognition given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON triumph.
It said the President’s support went beyond financial rewards and demonstrated the value his administration places on Nigerian athletes.
“These gestures went beyond material rewards; they demonstrated the value Mr. President places on our athletes and his belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire Nigerians.”
The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and Super Falcons supporters around the world.
However, the NFF said Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive through the CAF play-off route.
“A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway, and the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently pursue qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.”
The federation said it would also conduct an assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations.
“The NFF will also undertake an honest assessment of our preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations, with a determination to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that the team is better prepared for the challenges ahead.”
The NFF said it had accepted the disappointment but remained determined to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up.”
It urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining route to the World Cup.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
