The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in Sunday’s African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco — a result that ended the nation’s hopes of appearing at the tournament to be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
In a statement released on its official X handle on Monday, the NFF described the defeat as “a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football,” noting that missing the World Cup for the second consecutive time carries “great weight and emotional depth.”
The statement read: “The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole; and to millions of Nigerians, most 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, 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.”
What you should know
The Nigeria Football Federation has faced increasing pressure after consecutive World Cup qualification failures.
The federation’s public apology underscores its acknowledgment of national expectations and the symbolic importance of the Super Eagles as a unifying force in Nigerian sports and national identity.
