NFF Apologises To Tinubu, Nigerians Over Wafcons’ Setback…

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

  Key Highlights:

• NFF apologises to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure a direct ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation understands and shares the disappointment of millions of Nigerians.
• The federation specifically acknowledged President Tinubu’s support for Nigerian sports and the Super Falcons.
• NFF highlighted the president’s previous rewards to the team, including financial incentives, national honours, houses and a special reception.
• The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, speaking on behalf of the federation’s executive committee via a statement issued on Tuesday, said the Super Falcons and the Nigerian football family, expressed regret over the setback and acknowledged the disappointment felt by millions of supporters.

The federation specifically apologised to President Tinubu, praising his administration for its support for Nigerian sports and the Super Falcons, particularly following their previous WAFCON triumph.

The NFF noted that the president had rewarded the team with financial incentives, national honours, houses and a special reception, describing the gestures as evidence of his commitment to Nigerian athletes and the unifying power of sports.

“We sincerely apologise to Mr. President and deeply appreciate his continued interest, encouragement and investment in Nigerian football,” the federation said.

The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters of the Super Falcons in Nigeria and across the world.

Despite missing out on direct qualification, the federation said Nigeria still has an opportunity through the CAF play-off route.

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The Super Falcons will now fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets before seeking qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.

The NFF said it would conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas requiring improvement.

The federation assured Nigerians that it remains committed to securing the Super Falcons’ place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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

The federation urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they regroup and pursue the remaining pathway to the global tournament.

It said the team’s determination was not only to honour President Tinubu and Nigerians but also to preserve the legacy of past generations of Super Falcons and inspire young Nigerian girls aspiring to represent the country on the world stage.