NFF Apologize To Tinubu, Nigerians Over Falcons WAFCON Setback
By Saheed Afolabi
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 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in a statement issued on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family, expressed deep regret over the setback, acknowledging the disappointment it has caused millions of Nigerians.
Gusau said the Super Falcons entered the tournament carrying the hopes of the nation and the strong backing of the Federal Government, but failed to produce the result expected at this stage of the competition.
“We sincerely apologise to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment,” the NFF president stated.
According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports, particularly the welfare and development of women in sports.
Gusau recalled the unprecedented recognition and rewards bestowed on the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON triumph, including financial rewards, national honours, houses and a special reception.
He noted that the President’s support went beyond material benefits, describing it as a demonstration of his belief in Nigerian athletes and the unifying power of 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,” Gusau said.
The NFF also extended its apology to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and, most importantly, millions of Super Falcons supporters in Nigeria and around the world.
Despite the setback, the football federation insisted that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive through the CAF play-off route.
The NFF said the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently secure qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” Gusau said, assuring Nigerians that the NFF, technical crew and players would do everything possible to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 World Cup.
The NFF president stressed that the team’s renewed determination was owed not only to President Tinubu and Nigerians but also to the generations of Super Falcons players who built the team’s rich legacy and the young Nigerian girls dreaming of representing the country on the world stage.
Gusau also promised a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas that require improvement ahead of the crucial play-off campaign.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” he said.
The NFF urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, promising that the team would return stronger and fight harder to restore national pride.
