The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and the country after the Super Falcons missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, although a CAF play-off route remains available.
Key takeaways
- NFF president Ibrahim Gusau issued the apology on behalf of the federation, the team and Nigerian football.
- The federation recognised the frustration of supporters who backed the Super Falcons during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Gusau thanked the Federal Government for its backing and rewards after Nigeria’s previous WAFCON success.
- Nigeria will target one of the two CAF play-off places still on offer for the 2027 World Cup.
- The NFF plans a full review of its preparations, technical work, logistics and wider operations.
NFF accepts responsibility
Gusau delivered the apology in a statement released on Tuesday, speaking for the NFF, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community.
He said the federation understood the disappointment felt by millions of Nigerians who had followed and supported the team throughout the ongoing WAFCON in Morocco.
The NFF chief also recognised the Federal Government’s contribution to the squad, including the acknowledgement and rewards provided after the Falcons won their previous continental title.
Gusau expressed particular regret to Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He said the federation accepted, with humility, that it had not yet justified the confidence placed in the team by producing the result expected at this point.
He extended the apology to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, other stakeholders and Nigerian fans both at home and overseas.
Play-off route still open
Despite the setback, Gusau stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup campaign was not over. The Super Falcons can still reach the 2027 tournament through the CAF play-off system.
He said the team remained determined to claim one of the two play-off tickets available to African nations and that the NFF, coaching staff and players were united in their effort to secure qualification through the routes that remain.
Gusau added that the federation would conduct a candid review of the team’s preparation, tactical planning, travel and logistics, as well as its overall administration, to determine where changes are needed.
“We understand the frustration across Nigeria, we feel it too and we accept our responsibility,” he said, while insisting that the federation and team would continue their pursuit rather than abandon the campaign.
