Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) has wasted no time in acknowledging its shortcomings following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles were pipped to first spot in Group C of the qualifiers by South Africa.
They had a second chance in the African play-offs and blew it, going down to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.
“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,” stated the NFF.
“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 NFF, the technical crew, and the players understand the gravity of this moment. We 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 future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is uncertain after falling short on his mandate.
“I think you’d have to talk to the NFF and the commissioner because, actually, I did well,” said the 48-year-old mentor.
“I worked, and I will work. I tried to be at my best. We gave our best. The players, the coaching officials and everyone. So, if anything happens, it won’t be the first,” Chelle concluded.
