NFF Apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians Over Super Falcons’ World Cup Setback

The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure one of the direct qualification tickets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

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, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the team’s failure to qualify directly.

The federation said it recognised the expectations of millions of Nigerians who support the nine-time African champions and identified with the team.

The NFF also issued a special apology to Tinubu, citing the support and rewards his administration provided to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph.

It recalled that the team received financial rewards, national honours, houses and an official reception after their previous continental victory, describing the gestures as evidence of the president’s commitment to women’s sports.

“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,” the federation said.

The NFF extended its apology to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, football stakeholders and Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.

Despite the setback, the federation said the Super Falcons still have a route to the 2027 World Cup through the CAF playoff pathway.

The NFF said the team will now target one of the two available CAF playoff places before pursuing qualification through the FIFA playoff tournament.

It also said an assessment would be conducted to review the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and other aspects of its campaign to identify areas requiring improvement.

The federation pledged to work with the technical team and players to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 World Cup.

“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” the NFF said.

The federation urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they seek to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.