The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a formal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Following a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Dr. Congo on Sunday, Nigeria’s hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup were squashed.
The result means Nigeria have now failed to seal back-to-back World Cup qualifications after missing out in 2022.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF extended its apologies to the nation’s leadership and supporters.
“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.
“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 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 .
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) November 17, 2025.
