The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has issued a heartfelt apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NFF described Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Playoff Final in Rabat as “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 statement read in part.
The football body acknowledged the gravity of the disappointment, noting that the NFF, the technical crew, and the players 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 statement added.
The NFF revealed that the pain amongst the players was palpable in the dressing room after the match, with many struggling to speak.
The Federation expressed gratitude for the enormous support received from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key ministries, departments and agencies, diplomatic missions, the media, and passionate fans throughout the qualification campaign.
The statement emphasised that football in Nigeria is more than a game, describing it as “a national language, a bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity, and a powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family.”
Looking ahead, the NFF said its immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly, describing the tournament as “an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football.”
The Federation promised that its board and management will enter into a rigorous review process that will be “honest, uncompromising, and strategic” to evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to the outcome.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has also apologised for his reaction following the match, after he was involved in an altercation with a member of the DR Congo staff.
“Football is all about emotions. After the match, I reacted hotly to an altercation with a member of the DRC staff trying to come into my technical area,” Chelle wrote on Instagram.
“I have never wanted to target the Congolese people or their staff, which I respect. Disappointed in our elimination, but proud of my players. Congratulations, Congo, which was the best. Their audience showed great fervour, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.”
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka also expressed the team’s pain, telling journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that the players are hurting just as much as Nigerians.
“We, the players, are hurting just as much as Nigerians are hurting. Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us. It is very tough not to go to the next World Cup,” Onyeka said.
“Some of us may not be around in five years, in 2030. It’s painful. But we have an AFCON to play in 34 days and we need to get ready for that and do better than we did last time.”
