The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a series of posts shared on X on Sunday, the federation expressed deep regret over the team’s defeat to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat, a loss that ended Nigeria’s hopes of returning to football’s biggest stage.
The NFF described the outcome as a moment of “profound sadness,” acknowledging the symbolic role the Super Eagles play in uniting the country.
“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 wrote.
In its message, the NFF directly apologised to President Tinubu, stating it “wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency… and to millions of Nigerians, most especially our passionate, loyal football fans.”
The federation said it fully understands the expectations of Nigerians and acknowledged the immense backing the national team enjoys across the country.
“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 NFF stated.
This marks the second straight World Cup the Super Eagles will miss, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
