The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in a statement issued on behalf of the federation’s Executive Committee and the Super Falcons, expressed regret over the quarter-final defeat and acknowledged the disappointment it caused supporters across the country.
‘We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,’ Gusau said.
‘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.’
NFF apologises to President Tinubu
The federation issued a special apology to President Tinubu, highlighting his support for Nigerian sports and women athletes.
‘Mr President has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports and, particularly, to the development and welfare of women in sports,’ the statement said.
The NFF recalled the substantial rewards, national honours, houses and reception given to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, alongside the Federal Government’s continued support for the Super Eagles.
‘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,’ the NFF said.
‘We sincerely apologise to Mr President and deeply appreciate his continued interest, encouragement and investment in Nigerian football.’
Super Falcons still have World Cup route
Despite missing out on automatic qualification, 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 regroup and focus on securing one of the two available CAF play-off places before pursuing qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.
‘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 NFF said.
‘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.’
Federation extends apology to stakeholders
The NFF also extended its apology to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, football stakeholders and Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.
The Super Falcons’ failure to reach the WAFCON semi-finals ended their bid for an automatic World Cup ticket and means the defending champions must now navigate the play-off route to keep their hopes of featuring at the 2027 tournament alive.
The federation said it remained committed to supporting the team and ensuring Nigeria takes advantage of the remaining qualification opportunity.