The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to Nigerians and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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) in Morocco.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, speaking on behalf of the federation’s executive committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community, expressed regret over the team’s latest setback and acknowledged the disappointment among supporters.
The federation said the team entered the tournament with the expectations of millions of Nigerians as well as the support of the Federal Government, but failed to produce the result anticipated at this stage of the competition.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons. 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 NFF said.
Gusau also issued a special apology to Tinubu, citing the President’s support for Nigerian sports and the women’s national team.
“We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Bola Tinubu, for this disappointment,” he said.
According to the NFF president, Tinubu had demonstrated strong support for women’s football, particularly following the Super Falcons’ previous WAFCON success, when the players received financial rewards, national honours, houses and a high-profile reception.
“Mr. President has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports and, particularly, to the development and welfare of women in sports. The football family will not forget the unprecedented recognition and rewards extended to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, including substantial financial rewards, national honours, houses and an extraordinary reception,” Gusau said.
He added that the administration had continued to support sporting excellence across Nigerian football.
“His administration has also continued to support and reward excellence across Nigerian football, including the Super Eagles,” he said.
Gusau acknowledged that the federation had failed to meet the expectations created by the government’s backing of the team.
“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,” he said.
He also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and Nigerian supporters around the world.
The NFF, however, stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were not over, pointing to the CAF play-off route as the team’s remaining opportunity to qualify for the 2027 tournament.
“To everyone who prayed, encouraged, travelled, watched and stood behind the Super Falcons, we share your disappointment. A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway, and the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently pursue qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament,” the federation said.
Gusau promised that the football body would review the team’s preparation and overall operations following the setback.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains. 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 said.
He said the federation would conduct an assessment of its preparation, technical planning, logistics and other aspects of the team’s operations to identify areas requiring improvement.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” Gusau stated.
He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as the team attempts to secure qualification through the remaining route.
“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,” he said.
