NFF apologizes to President Tinubu, Nigerians over WAFCON elimination

By Amaechi Agbo

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family, wishes to express our deepest regrets, and sincere apologies to the Government and people of Nigeria following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
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. 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.
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. His administration has also continued to support and reward excellence across Nigerian football, including the Super Eagles. 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 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. We also apologise to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, our sponsors, stakeholders and, most importantly, the millions of Nigerian supporters at home and around the world.