Nigeria: NFF Apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians Over Super Falcons' Wafcon Setback

What the report says

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. In a statement reported by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the federation accepted responsibility for the disappointment and spoke on behalf of the team and the wider Nigerian football community.

Gusau said the setback was especially painful because many Nigerians had followed the Super Falcons closely during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He also acknowledged the federal government’s backing of the team, including recognition and rewards after their earlier WAFCON success. According to the report, the apology was extended not only to Tinubu but also to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters in Nigeria and abroad.

The NFF said the team still had a route to the 2027 tournament through the CAF play-off pathway, with two available playoff tickets at stake. Gusau added that the federation, technical staff and players remained committed to improving preparations and pursuing qualification through the remaining route. The statement also indicated that the NFF would review its planning, logistics and operations to identify areas needing correction. The development matters because the Super Falcons are one of Nigeria’s most prominent national teams, and World Cup qualification carries both sporting and symbolic significance.