NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Falcons’ WAFCON setback

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, offered the apology on behalf of the federation, the players and the wider Nigerian football family in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Gusau said the NFF acknowledged the disappointment caused to millions of Nigerians who supported the Super Falcons during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the team, particularly the recognition and rewards granted to the players after their previous WAFCON victory.

“We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic, Bola Tinubu, for this disappointment.

“It is 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,” he said.

The NFF president also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission (NSC), sponsors, stakeholders and Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.

Gusau, however, stressed that Nigeria’s qualification hopes were still 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,” he said.

He assured that the NFF, technical crew and players remained focused on securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the available route.

Gusau said the federation would also conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas that required improvement.

“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” he added.