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NFF Apologises to Nigerians Over Super Falcons’ Setback, Vows to Fight for 2027 World Cup Ticket
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to the Federal Government and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, conveyed the apology on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football family, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the team’s setback.
Gusau said the Super Falcons entered the competition carrying the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians, as well as the strong backing of the Federal Government.
“We sincerely regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage of the competition,” Gusau said, while extending a special apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He noted that President Tinubu has shown strong commitment to Nigerian sports, particularly the development and welfare of women athletes. He recalled the unprecedented recognition and rewards given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON triumph, including financial rewards, national honours, houses and a special reception.
According to Gusau, the President’s support went beyond material rewards, as it demonstrated the Federal Government’s belief in Nigerian athletes and the unifying power of sports.
“It is therefore with genuine humility and regret that we acknowledge that we have not been able to repay that confidence with the outcome expected at this stage,” he said.
The NFF also extended its apology to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and the millions of Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.
Despite the setback, Gusau stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive through the CAF play-off route.
He said the Super Falcons are determined to secure one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently compete for qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the NFF, technical team and players would do everything possible to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Gusau said the team’s renewed determination was owed not only to the President and the Nigerian people, but also to the generations of Super Falcons who built the team’s legacy and the young Nigerian girls dreaming of representing the country on the world stage.
He further disclosed that the NFF would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas requiring improvement.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” Gusau said.
The NFF president assured Nigerians that the Super Falcons would return stronger and fight harder to make the Federal Government and the country proud.
He also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team as they pursue the remaining pathway to qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
