The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally apologised to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ inability to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, the Federation described Sunday’s defeat to DR Congo in the Africa Playoff Final in Rabat as “a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football.”
According to the NFF, the setback carries enormous emotional weight for the nation. “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 in part.
The organisation emphasised its full awareness of how much the team’s performance means to the country, acknowledging that the expectations of fans were not met. It added that the NFF leadership, technical staff, and players know the level of passion, loyalty, and sacrifices Nigerians consistently invest in their national 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 Federation stated.
The NFF revealed that the dressing room atmosphere after the match reflected the magnitude of the disappointment, noting that many players were visibly emotional and found it difficult to speak.
The Federation also expressed appreciation for the sustained support received throughout the qualification journey—from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, members of the National Assembly, essential ministries and government agencies, Nigeria’s diplomatic network, the media, and the football-loving public.
The apology comes as Nigeria begins to evaluate the factors that contributed to missing the global tournament and considers the next steps for rebuilding ahead of future international competitions.
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