The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau issued the apology on behalf of the federation, the national team and the wider Nigerian football community in a statement released on Tuesday. He admitted that the outcome had disappointed millions of supporters who had backed the Super Falcons during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Gusau also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the team, particularly the recognition and rewards given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON success. He said the federation understood the expectations that came with that support and accepted responsibility for failing to deliver the expected result.
The NFF president specifically apologised to Tinubu, saying the federation regretted that it had not been able to repay the confidence placed in the team with the result expected at this stage. He extended the apology to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, other stakeholders and Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.
Despite the setback, Gusau stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are still alive. The Super Falcons can qualify through the CAF play-off pathway, where two remaining tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be available.
Gusau said the NFF, technical crew and players remain focused on taking advantage of that route and securing Nigeria’s place at the tournament. He said the federation would continue to support the team as it seeks to recover from the disappointment.
The federation also plans to conduct what Gusau described as an honest review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations. The aim, he said, is to identify weaknesses and make the necessary improvements before the next stage of the qualification campaign.
Gusau acknowledged the frustration among Nigerians but insisted that the federation was not giving up on the World Cup dream. With the CAF play-off route still available, the Super Falcons have another opportunity to secure qualification and avoid missing out on the global tournament.
