The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, made the apology on behalf of the federation, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 12.
The federation expressed regret over the disappointment caused by the team’s failure to secure one of the direct World Cup qualification tickets.
The federation also extended a special apology to Tinubu, acknowledging the support and rewards his administration had given the women’s national team following their previous WAFCON triumph.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,” the NFF said.
“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 statement read.
According to the NFF, Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated “an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports and, particularly, to the development and welfare of women in sports.”
“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.
The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.
The NFF also pleaded that the Super Falcons still have an opportunity to qualify for the 2027 World Cup 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 federation said it would conduct an assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas requiring improvement.
“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,” the statement added.
The NFF acknowledged the disappointment among Nigerians but vowed not to give up on the team’s World Cup qualification hopes.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” it said.
The federation urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again,” the NFF said.