In the aftermath of a disheartening defeat that dashed the nation’s hopes for the World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a heartfelt apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerians.
This public apology comes on the heels of the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a critical loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off final held in Rabat on Sunday.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF described the defeat as “a moment of profound sadness” and recognised the team as a “symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride.” The federation admitted that their collective efforts “did not yield the outcome this nation deserved.”
The emotional fallout from this failure was immediate, with reports indicating that the team’s dressing room was filled with palpable despair following the match, leaving many players too distraught to speak.
The apology reached beyond the presidency to encompass the “passionate, loyal football fans” whose support the NFF acknowledged as “unmatched anywhere in the world.” The statement emphasised that football in Nigeria is “more than a game”; it is a “national language” and a “powerful symbol of unity.”
In light of this national sports crisis, the federation has committed to a comprehensive review. The NFF announced that its Board and Management will soon embark on a “rigorous, honest, uncompromising, and strategic” process to identify the technical, administrative, and structural failures that contributed to the qualification setback.
Looking ahead, the NFF has stated that its immediate focus will be on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025, framing it as an “opportunity for healing, renewal, and demonstrating the resilience that has always characterised Nigerian football.”
The statement concluded with a solemn pledge to the Nigerian people: “We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage. We will not allow this disappointment to define Nigerian football.”
This commitment marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian football as the federation seeks to regain the confidence of fans and reinstate the nation’s storied football legacy.