The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), formally issued an apology to Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ disappointing exit from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning continental giants saw their campaign come to a premature end in the tournament’s knockout stages, sparking widespread disappointment among football enthusiasts back home after falling 1-0 to Cameroon.
The setback marked a rare and painful stumble for the record-chasing Super Falcons, who entered the tournament as perennial favourites. Nigeria have now failed to secure direct qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, at the ongoing 14th WAFCON.
NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family, expressed their deepest regrets, and sincere apologies to the Government and people of Nigeria.
Gusau said the federation recognised the disappointment caused to millions of Nigerians who passionately supported the team throughout the ongoing WAFCON in Morocco.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the Super Falcons, particularly the recognition and rewards given to the team following their previous WAFCON triumph.
“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,” Gusau said.
“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.”
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He also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission (NSC), sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian supporters at home and abroad for the disappointing outcome.
The NFF president, however, said the Super Falcons still had an opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the CAF play-off pathway.
“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,” he said.
Gusau said the NFF, technical team and players remained committed to securing Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the available qualification routes.
“The NFF will also undertake an honest assessment of our preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations, with a determination to identify areas requiring improvement,” he mentioned.
“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up.”
