The Nigeria Football Federation has tendered an official apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the nation at large after the Super Eagles failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The apology, released on Monday, followed the team’s defeat to DR Congo in the Africa Playoff Final in Rabat, a result the NFF described as “a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football.”
According to the Federation, the setback carries deep emotional consequences for a country where the Super Eagles represent unity, resilience, and shared national pride. The statement stressed that being absent from the World Cup for a second time in a row is a heavy blow felt across all levels of 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 statement read.
The NFF further acknowledged the magnitude of the nation’s disappointment, emphasising that the leadership of the Federation, the coaching staff, and the players fully grasp the hopes Nigerians consistently place on the team. “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 added.
The statement also revealed that the atmosphere within the Super Eagles’ camp after the loss was one of visible pain, with several players too emotional to express themselves. The Federation extended appreciation to the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, foreign missions, the media, and millions of dedicated supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the qualification journey.
This apology marks one of the NFF’s strongest public acknowledgements of responsibility in recent years, as discussions continue about the direction of Nigerian football following another failed World Cup campaign.
About the Author
