President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their spirited performance in the race to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s loss in Sunday’s playoff match.
In a message issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday, addressing the outcome, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to acknowledge the players’ efforts and maintain support for the national team.
He encouraged the Eagles to put behind them the loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo and prepare for the African Cup of Nations, which will be held from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
President Tinubu said; “Nigeria’s dream of featuring in the World Cup was dashed as Congo DR eliminated the Super Eagles in a dramatic qualifier play-off on Sunday night in Morocco.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.”
He further stressed the need for urgent corrective action to strengthen Nigeria’s football structure ahead of future international competitions.
“We must now plug all the loopholes.Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” he stated.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that with renewed focus, discipline, and better organisation, Nigerian football can reclaim its position as a dominant force on the African and global stage.
“Although it was painful that the Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, the team must be commended for striving hard to reach the Mundial, particularly after winning their first playoff match.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” President Tinubu explained.
The Eagles lost in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in extra time. DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Inter-Confederation play-off, keeping their own 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
Lateefah Ibrahim