The Nigeria Football Federation has issued an open and sincere apology to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerians, particularly loyal football fans, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

In a statement obtained from NFF’s X handle on Monday, the football body said Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football, stressing that 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.

“In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak.

Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, our diplomatic missions, the media, and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world.

“Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity. A powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family. We owe it to this nation to honour that bond with sincerity, accountability, and action,” the statement read.

Looking ahead, NFF said its immediate focus turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which presents an opportunity for healing, renewal, and the demonstration of the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football.

“In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will undertake a rigorous, honest, and strategic review process. This will evaluate technical, administrative, and structural gaps that contributed to this outcome and guide decisive steps to reposition Nigeria’s national teams for future success.

“The NFF solemnly commits to the people of Nigeria: we will rebuild trust, restore pride, and reclaim our standing on the global stage. This setback will not be the final word on Nigerian football.

“Nigeria is a nation of resilience, spirit, and unyielding hope. Just as the nation rises from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles,” NFF said. (The PUNCH)