The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a heartfelt apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerian football supporters after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released on its X handle on Monday, the NFF described Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat as a moment of “profound sadness” for Nigerian football.
The federation noted that missing the World Cup for the second time in a row is a setback that carries “great weight and emotional depth” for a nation where football is a symbol of unity, hope, and pride.
“We Understand the Gravity of This Moment” — NFF
According to the statement, the NFF, technical crew, and players fully understand the expectations of Nigerians and accept responsibility for falling short.
“In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak,” the NFF said.
The federation also expressed gratitude for the massive support received during the qualifiers from the Federal Government, National Sports Commission, National Assembly, various ministries and agencies, diplomatic missions, the media, and passionate fans.
Football as Nigeria’s National Language
The NFF emphasized that football remains more than a game in Nigeria, describing it as a “national language”, a unifying force, and a strong source of emotional identity for over 200 million people.
The statement reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to sincerity, accountability, and concrete action moving forward.
Focus Shifts to AFCON Morocco 2025
Looking ahead, the NFF stated that its immediate focus is on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, which it sees as a chance for renewal and restoring national pride.
It added that the Board and Management will soon begin a rigorous and honest review of the technical, administrative, and structural issues that contributed to the World Cup miss.
NFF’s Commitment to Rebuilding Confidence
The federation assured Nigerians that it is determined to reposition the national teams for future success.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The NFF expressed confidence that, like the nation itself, the Super Eagles will rise again.