Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has broken his silence following the Super Eagles’ painful failure to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria lost 5–4 on penalties to DR Congo after a tense 1–1 draw in extra time, plunging the nation into deep footballing disappointment.
In an official statement issued by his spokesman on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged calm, unity, and a renewed commitment to rebuilding Nigerian football.
He also called for immediate reforms to address the systemic issues that contributed to the latest setback.
President Tinubu stressed that, while the outcome was devastating for millions of Nigerians, the players deserved commendation for their effort:
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.”
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”
The President captured the emotional weight of the elimination, highlighting the importance the 2026 World Cup held for the nation.
Nigeria has not qualified for the global tournament back to back since 2018, and the latest failure has intensified scrutiny on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the team’s technical direction.
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Call for long-term planning and structural reforms
President Tinubu, in his statement has demanded for deeper introspection and strategic re-evaluation within Nigerian football.
The President highlighted the need for:
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Improved administration and governance
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Better talent development pathways
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Enhanced technical planning and coaching efficiency
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Elimination of organizational weaknesses (“loopholes”)
He urged all stakeholders, starting from federation officials to the coaching staff and players, to “go back to the drawing board” and rebuild the framework needed for sustained success.
AFCON 2025: “A chance for redemption” for the Super Eagles
Despite the setback, Tinubu emphasized that the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations presents a major opportunity for redemption.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C, where they will face:
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Tanzania – 23 December
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Tunisia – 27 December
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Uganda – 30 December
The tournament, set for December 2025, will serve as a critical test of the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back after the World Cup qualification heartbreak.
A nation awaits the Super Eagles’ response
As preparations intensify for AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles face both pressure and opportunity.
The continental stage offers a platform to restore pride, rebuild confidence, and demonstrate that the World Cup disappointment can serve as motivation rather than a defining failure.
President Tinubu urges unity, demands football administrators ‘plug all loopholes’ as Super Eagles shift focus to continental campaign.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered an heartbreak in the last AFCON edition (AFCON 2023), losing the trophy to host country Cote d’ Voire on 2-1 scoreline.
