The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons missed out on a direct qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement issued by its Communications Department, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation, the team and the wider Nigerian football community accepted responsibility for the disappointing outcome.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,” Gusau said.
The federation reserved a special apology for President Tinubu, acknowledging his strong support for women’s football and Nigerian sports.
“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, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment,” the NFF said.
According to the federation, Tinubu’s support for the Super Falcons went beyond financial rewards, particularly following the team’s previous WAFCON success.
“These gestures went beyond material rewards; they demonstrated the value Mr. President places on our athletes and his belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire Nigerians,” it said.
The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters of the Super Falcons at home and abroad.
Despite the setback, the federation stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup campaign is not over.
“A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway,” the NFF said, explaining that the Falcons would now fight for one of the two available CAF play-off places before attempting to secure qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.
The federation urged the team and supporters to remain focused on the alternative route to Australia, New Zealand and the United States, which will host the expanded 2027 tournament.
The federation also pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s campaign.
The assessment will cover preparation, technical planning, logistics and other operational areas, with the aim of identifying shortcomings and preventing a repeat of the setback.
“The NFF will also undertake an honest assessment of our preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations,” it said.
The federation acknowledged the frustration among Nigerians but insisted that the team would not surrender its World Cup ambition.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up.”
The NFF called for continued support for the Super Falcons as they attempt to navigate the remaining qualification route and keep Nigeria’s hopes of appearing at the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive.
