The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF accepts responsibility
NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, speaking for the federation’s Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community, expressed regret that the team had not produced the result expected of it. He also issued a direct apology to President Tinubu for the disappointment.
The federation pointed to the Federal Government’s support for the squad, including the rewards granted after Nigeria’s previous WAFCON triumph, as one reason for its apology. It also extended its regrets to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, other stakeholders and Nigerian fans.
Qualification route remains open
Although Nigeria failed to claim a direct World Cup place, the Super Falcons still have a route into the tournament. They will contest the CAF play-offs for one of two places leading to a later FIFA play-off competition.
The NFF said it would review several areas of the campaign and work to strengthen the team:
- Preparation and technical planning will be assessed.
- Logistics and operational arrangements will also be examined.
- The federation has pledged to present a stronger side in the next phase.
South Africa and Nigeria meet in play-in clash
In a related development, South Africa midfielder Karabo Dhlamini said Banyana Banyana would fight for a place in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs when they face Nigeria in a World Cup play-in match on Thursday at Casablanca’s Moulay Rachid Stadium.
South Africa’s WAFCON run ended in a 2-1 quarter-final loss to hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday. Sakina Diki Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Haj scored before and after half-time, while Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit in the 67th minute. Morocco’s victory secured its place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup and moved South Africa into the play-in pathway.
Dhlamini said the team’s objective had not changed and that South Africa would give everything to win the play-off because World Cup qualification was still within reach. She felt the side had performed well but lost its momentum after Morocco scored first.
Nigeria entered the same stage after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat by Cameroon. The winner of Thursday’s meeting will progress to a nine-team inter-confederation play-off tournament scheduled for November and December, where the final three World Cup places will be decided.
Ellis demands quick response
South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis acknowledged that her team had wanted to avoid the play-in route, but stressed that the World Cup opportunity remained alive. She said the squad would concentrate on recovering quickly and preparing completely, both mentally and physically, for the encounter with Nigeria.
