The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has 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 (WAFCON).
In a statement issued by its Communications Department, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation, the Super Falcons 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 NFF also issued a special apology to President Tinubu, acknowledging his 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, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment,” the federation stated.
According to the NFF, the President has demonstrated strong commitment to women’s football, particularly through the rewards and recognition given to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph.
It said the gestures went beyond financial incentives, describing them as evidence of the administration’s appreciation of Nigerian athletes and its belief in the ability of sports to unite and inspire citizens.
The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, other stakeholders and Super Falcons supporters across the world.
Despite the setback, the NFF said Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remain alive through the CAF play-off route.
“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,” it said.
The football federation further announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s preparations, technical planning, logistics and overall operations.
“The NFF will also undertake an honest assessment of our preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations, with a determination to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that the team is better prepared for the challenges ahead,” the statement added.
The federation acknowledged the disappointment among Nigerians but vowed not to abandon the team’s 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 said.
It subsequently appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
