The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a public apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerians after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The apology was shared on Monday through a statement posted on the NFF’s X handle. The federation described Sunday’s defeat to DR Congo in the Africa Play off Final in Rabat as a painful moment for Nigerian football. It noted that the Super Eagles represent unity and pride for the country, making the back to back World Cup miss a heavy blow.
According to the NFF, “We understand the expectations Nigerians rightly hold. We understand the passion of a country that has always stood behind its team. Our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved.”
The statement said the dressing room was filled with silence and pain after the match, as many players struggled to speak. It also acknowledged the strong support received from the Federal Government, the National Assembly, various ministries and agencies, diplomatic missions, the media, and fans throughout the qualification campaign.
The NFF described football as Nigeria’s national language and a powerful symbol of unity. It said this setback calls for sincerity, accountability, and action.
Looking forward, the federation said its attention now shifts to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It promised a full review of technical, administrative, and structural issues that led to the failure. This review will guide steps to improve the national teams.
The federation added, “We will rebuild trust, restore pride, and reclaim our standing on the global stage. This setback will not be the final word on Nigerian football.”
It ended by saying Nigeria’s spirit remains strong and the Super Eagles will rise again.
