NFF Apologises To President Tinubu, Nigerians After Super Eagles’ World Cup Heartbreak

The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the wider Nigerian public after the Super Eagles crashed out of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Naija News reports that Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo in Sunday’s Africa Play-off Final in Rabat left the nation stunned, marking the second time in a row the team will miss football’s biggest tournament. The NFF described the moment as a painful one that has shaken everyone connected to the team.

In its statement, the Federation said, “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 Federation acknowledged that Nigerians have every right to feel let down, adding that the players and technical crew are also dealing with the emotional sting of the setback. According to the statement, “In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak.”

The NFF also recognised the extensive backing the team received throughout the qualification journey. It thanked the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key ministries and agencies, diplomatic partners, the media and the millions of fans who continued to believe in the team through every high and low.

“Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity,” the statement said.

Looking ahead, the Federation said attention will now turn to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the tournament as a chance to rebuild confidence and reconnect with supporters. A detailed review is expected in the coming days to assess technical and administrative shortcomings.

The statement ended with a pledge. “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,” the NFF wrote.