NFF Apologises to Tinubu and Nigerians After Super Eagles’ World Cup Collapse

 The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a formal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and millions of Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the outcome as a “deep national disappointment.”

Nigeria’s turbulent qualifying campaign ended on Sunday night in Rabat, where the Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking defeat to DR Congo in the CAF play-off final. Despite a late revival in form under coach Eric Chelle, who guided the team through the semis with a victory over Gabon, the momentum was not enough to secure a ticket to the intercontinental play-offs.

In response, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain calm and channel the frustration toward constructive rebuilding, noting that the team must now focus fully on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The NFF, in its message, acknowledged administrative lapses and accepted responsibility for the broader failure of the qualification campaign. The federation described the defeat as “a painful moment for Nigerian football,” stressing that the Super Eagles symbolize unity and pride for over 200 million citizens.

According to the statement, the atmosphere in the dressing room after the loss was “silent and heavy,” as players and staff struggled to process the result. The NFF also highlighted the consistent support received from the Federal Government, the National Assembly, sports agencies, diplomatic missions, the media, and fans throughout the long qualifying journey.

As part of its next steps, the federation pledged to initiate a “rigorous internal review” to identify technical and structural weaknesses. It promised decisive reforms aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening the national teams, and preventing repeated failures on the global stage.

With two consecutive World Cup misses now on record, Nigeria turns its attention to AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles will attempt to restore national pride and write a new chapter after months of frustration.