THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued an open apology to President Bola Tinubu, the federal government and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ disastrous outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs in Morocco.
The Super Eagles had one of their worst performances in recent years last night as they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the play-offs final, ending their quest to qualify for the World Cup through the back door.
It is the first time the Super Eagles will fail to qualify for two consecutive World Cup editions since their first appearance in 1994.
“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,” the NFF said in a statement made available to Naija Times today.
“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.
“In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak.
“Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, our diplomatic missions, the media, and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world.
“Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity. A powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family. We owe it to this nation to honour that bond with sincerity, accountability, and action.”
The NFF promised to make things right at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in the same Morocco in December and January.
“As we look forward, our immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly. This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football,” the body stated.
“In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will enter into a rigorous review process, honest, uncompromising, and strategic. We will evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to this outcome. And we will take decisive steps to reposition our national teams for future success.
“We make this solemn commitment to the people of Nigeria: 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.
“Nigeria is a nation of resilience, of spirit, of unyielding hope. Just as our people rise from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles.”
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign began poorly, with the three-time African champions recording only three points in their first four fixtures against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Benin Republic.
They recovered enough after the appointment of Eric Chelle to make the play-offs, but the preparation in Morocco was marred by a training boycott over owed allowances and bonuses two days before their semi-final against Gabon.
The Super Eagles settled their pay row with the NFF on the eve of the Gabon clash, and they defeated the Panthers 4-1 after extra-time on Thursday.
However, the Super Eagles were comprehensively outplayed by DR Congo last night and were unable to claim the African ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico next March.