NFF Apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians After Super Falcons Miss Direct World Cup Ticket
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau issued the apology on behalf of the federation’s Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community.
Gusau said the federation understood the disappointment caused by the team’s failure to meet expectations.
“The team went into the competition carrying the hopes of the nation and the enormous goodwill and support of the Federal Government, and we regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage,” he said.
He also offered a special apology to President Tinubu, praising his administration for its support for Nigerian sports, especially women’s football.
Gusau recalled the rewards given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON success, including financial rewards, national honours, houses and a reception by the Federal Government.
He said the support showed the President’s commitment to Nigerian athletes and the role of sports in bringing Nigerians together and inspiring young people.
“It is therefore with genuine humility and regret that we acknowledge that we have not been able to repay that confidence with the outcome expected at this stage of the competition,” Gusau said.
The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian fans at home and abroad.
Despite missing out on direct qualification, the federation said the Super Falcons still have a chance to reach the 2027 World Cup through the CAF play-off route.
The NFF said the team would now focus on winning one of the two available CAF play-off places before facing the FIFA play-off tournament.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” the federation said.
The football body also promised to carry out a full review of the team’s preparations, technical plans, logistics and other operations to identify areas that need improvement.
According to the NFF, the review will help ensure that the Super Falcons are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” the federation said.
The NFF urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they fight for the remaining route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again,” the statement added.
