The Super Eagles fans and President Bola Tinubu
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government for the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The federation described the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament as a major disappointment that has caused grief among citizens. It therefore appealed for forgiveness and urged everyone to focus on rebuilding for the future.
“The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the Federal Government as a whole, and millions of Nigerians, especially our passionate, loyal football fans, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
“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 NFF wrote on X on November 17, 2025.
Watch highlights of Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo
The federation added that the players and the entire squad recognise the damage caused by the defeat and have pledged to deliver improved performances in future competitions.
“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 statement said.
The Super Eagles lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Read the statement in the tweet below
Watch highlights of Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo
SB/MA
Meanwhile, watch the feature about Swedru All Blacks’ journey from the Division One to the GPL below
