The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has issued a heartfelt apology to Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that this is not the time for blame or recriminations.
Nigeria’s elimination in the African play-offs, a 1–1 draw followed by a penalty shootout defeat, has triggered widespread frustration across the country.
However, Olopade clarified that the disappointment should be viewed as a national setback. He insisted that this is neither the time for blame nor recriminations, as it is not the fault of any single individual or body.
However, the disappointment remains deep.
‘Collaboration Was Strong’ – Says Olopade
Speaking shortly after the Super Eagles crashed out, Olopade highlighted the deliberate efforts made to ensure a smooth and unified working relationship between the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) during the qualification campaign.
“The intentionality and clarity of purpose we brought was to first say that there must be solid collaboration between the NFF and the Sports Commission… “
“We are a family,” he said.
Olopade noted that despite the strong teamwork behind the scenes, this is simply not the moment for anger or accusations.
“I know the country is going after them now, but I keep saying this is not the time to blame anybody, individually or as a body.”
‘The Tools Were Provided’ – Full Support Was Given
The NSC chief emphasized that the government and all sporting bodies provided the necessary resources to ensure the team’s successful qualification.
He admitted that the issues that led to Nigeria’s failure did not begin with the play-off matches despite the support.
“The tools for us to qualify for the World Cup were provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
“The tools were given to the NFF by the NSC through various initiatives, and the tools from the NFF to the team were also provided.”
‘Failure Didn’t Start Today’ – Olopade Admits Deeper Problems
Olopade further acknowledged that, deeper structural problems contributed to the team’s fate. He continued stating the collapse was not sudden, but the consequence of lingering issues within Nigerian football.
“The failure did not start now. Nigeria should not even have been playing in the play-off.”
“We should have qualified earlier, but we did not. We went to the play-off, and we still did not qualify.”
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A Public Apology to the Nation
The Director-General concluded with a solemn apology to Nigerians on behalf of all football administrators.
“I once again appeal and apologize to the public. We failed as a country to qualify for the World Cup.”
Nigeria’s failure to secure one of Africa’s nine guaranteed spots at the expanded 48-team tournament has intensified calls for major reforms in football governance, talent development, and administrative efficiency.
