NFF apology to Tinubu for World Cup miss
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has publicly apologized 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 admission came following their loss to DR Congo in the African playoff final in Rabat, which ended in a 1–1 draw before DR Congo won 4–3 on penalties.
In its apology, the NFF called the defeat “a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football” and acknowledged the emotional toll the failure carries. The federation said it understands the “gravity of this moment,” noting how deeply Nigerians expect their national team to deliver.
The NFF also expressed gratitude for the support they received throughout the qualification campaign from government agencies, the media, diplomatic missions, and especially the fans. They emphasized that football in Nigeria is more than a game: it is a “national language, a bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity” for more than 200 million people.
Looking forward, the NFF said it will shift its focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. As part of the recovery, the federation committed to a “rigorous review process” to evaluate technical, administrative, and structural weaknesses that contributed to their World Cup failure. They vowed to rebuild trust, restore national pride, and reclaim Nigeria’s place on the global football stage.
