NFF Apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians Over WAFCON Blow
Last update: August 11, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Sorry, Mr President. Sorry, Nigerians. That is the message from the Nigeria Football Federation after the Super Falcons missed out on direct qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
The NFF has tendered an unreserved apology to the Federal Government and to millions of football-loving Nigerians following the Super Falcons' failure to pick up an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup at the ongoing WAFCON.
In a statement signed on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the team, and the entire football family, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation fully understands the disappointment the result has caused.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,” Gusau said. “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.”
The federation reserved a special apology for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging his unwavering support for Nigerian sports, especially women’s sports.
According to the statement, the President has shown exceptional commitment to the development and welfare of women in sports, recalling the substantial rewards, national honours, houses and the state reception given to the Super Falcons after their last WAFCON triumph, alongside his continued support for the Super Eagles.
“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. We sincerely apologise to Mr President and deeply appreciate his continued interest, encouragement and investment in Nigerian football.”
The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and Nigerian supporters both at home and in the diaspora.
But all hope is not lost. The federation clarified that the Super Falcons still have a route to the World Cup through the CAF play-offs for the two remaining tickets, and then the inter-confederation FIFA play-off tournament.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” Gusau added. “The NFF, technical team and players are committed to doing everything within their power to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
He assured that there would be an honest review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to fix what went wrong.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it, and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up. 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 NFF has now appealed to Nigerians to keep supporting the team as they chase the remaining qualification slot.
Credit: cbinews.tv
#SuperFalcons #NFF #WAFCON2025 #NigeriaFootball #PresidentTinubu #TeamNigeria #WomensFootball #FIFAWWC #CBINews
