President Bola Tinubu has directed all football stakeholders in Nigeria to urgently return to the drawing board and address the weaknesses that led to the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The directive comes after Nigeria crashed out of the CAF playoffs on Sunday night in Morocco, losing 4–3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo after a tense 1–1 draw in extra time.
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In a statement issued on Monday, the President said that although the loss was painful—marking the second consecutive World Cup Nigeria will miss—the Super Eagles deserved commendation for giving their best, particularly after winning their first playoff match earlier in the week. He urged fans to continue supporting the team and not dwell solely on the disappointment.
Tinubu emphasized that the outcome should serve as a moment of reflection for Nigerian football, stating that “we must now plug all the loopholes” and ensure that administrators, players, coaches and every stakeholder take responsibility for strengthening the structure of the game. He stressed that the inability to reach the World Cup must not be allowed to repeat itself.
The President further charged the national team to immediately shift focus to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco. He said the players must recover quickly, regroup and channel their energy towards restoring Nigeria’s footballing pride on the continental stage.
Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s support for the team, insisting that constructive engagement and improved coordination would be essential in preparing for future competitions. He also encouraged Nigerians across the world to stand behind the squad as they begin their road to the AFCON.
