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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Falcons’ World Cup qualification setback

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Nigeria Football Federation apologized to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians for the Super Falcons' failure to qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
  • NFF President Ibrahim Gusau acknowledged the disappointment but noted the team still has a chance through the CAF play-off pathway.
  • The federation pledged to conduct an honest assessment of preparations and operations to identify areas for improvement.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian populace after the Super Falcons missed out on direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed deep regret on behalf of the federation, the team, and the entire Nigerian football community.

We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic, Bola Tinubu, for this disappointment.

— Ibrahim GusauNFF President's direct apology to the Nigerian President.

In a statement released Tuesday, Gusau acknowledged the widespread disappointment among millions of Nigerians who supported the team during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He specifically apologized to President Tinubu, recognizing the Federal Government's significant support and rewards previously given to the team.

It is 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.

— Ibrahim GusauNFF President acknowledging the failure to meet expectations.

Despite the setback, Gusau highlighted that a "window of opportunity" remains for the Super Falcons to secure a spot in the World Cup through the CAF play-off pathway. He stated the team is determined to fight for one of the two available play-off tickets.

A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway, and the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets.

— Ibrahim GusauNFF President highlighting the remaining qualification route.

The NFF president assured that the federation, technical staff, and players are committed to qualifying for the tournament. He also pledged a thorough and honest assessment of the team's preparation, technical planning, logistics, and overall operations to pinpoint areas needing improvement. "We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up," Gusau added.

We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up.

— Ibrahim GusauNFF President addressing public sentiment and reaffirming commitment.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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