The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed regret and apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, speaking on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community, acknowledged the disappointment caused by the team’s setback. He said the Falcons entered the competition carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerians as well as the strong support and goodwill of the Federal Government, but were unable to produce the result expected at this stage of the tournament.
Gusau offered a special apology to President Tinubu, praising his administration’s commitment to Nigerian sports and its support for women in particular. He recalled the significant recognition and rewards given to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, including financial incentives, national honours, houses and a special reception. According to the NFF president, those gestures demonstrated the President’s belief in the importance of Nigerian athletes and the ability of sports to unite and inspire the country.
The NFF acknowledged that the latest result had fallen short of the expectations created by the President’s support and investment in Nigerian football. Gusau therefore apologised to the President and also expressed the federation’s appreciation for his continued encouragement. He extended the apology to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.
Despite the disappointment, the NFF stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive through the CAF play-off route. The federation said the Super Falcons would now focus on securing one of the available CAF play-off places before pursuing qualification through the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament.
Gusau said the setback would serve as an opportunity for the federation, technical crew and players to regroup and identify areas that need improvement. He stated that the NFF would conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to ensure that the Falcons are better equipped for the challenges ahead.
The NFF also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining route to the 2027 World Cup. Gusau said the team owed it to President Tinubu, the Nigerian people, previous generations of Super Falcons and young girls aspiring to represent the country to fight until the end.
The federation acknowledged the frustration of Nigerian supporters but insisted that it would not give up on the team’s World Cup ambitions. It pledged to ensure that the Super Falcons regroup, return stronger and do everything possible to restore national pride by securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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