‘We Accept Our Responsibility’: NFF Apologises Over Super Falcons’ WAFCON Failure

The Nigeria Football Federation has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, speaking on behalf of the federation’s Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football family, expressed regret over the team’s failure to deliver the result expected after entering the tournament with strong government and public support.

‘We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,’ the NFF said.

‘The team went into the competition carrying the hopes of the nation and the enormous goodwill and support of the Federal Government, and we regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage.’

The federation issued a special apology to President Tinubu, highlighting his support for Nigerian sports and his commitment to the development and welfare of women in sport.

The NFF recalled the unprecedented rewards given to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, including substantial financial rewards, national honours, houses and a special reception, describing the gestures as evidence of the President’s belief in the ability of sport to unite and inspire Nigerians.

‘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 of the competition,’ the federation said.

The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of supporters at home and abroad who backed the nine-time African champions.

Despite the setback, the federation stressed that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive through the CAF play-off route.

‘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 and subsequently pursue qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament,’ the NFF stated.

The federation said it would now regroup and conduct an honest assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations, with the aim of correcting shortcomings ahead of the remaining qualification opportunities.

‘The NFF, technical team and players are committed to doing everything within their power to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup,’ the statement added.

The federation acknowledged the disappointment among Nigerians but insisted that the setback would not end the Super Falcons’ pursuit of a place at the global tournament.

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

The federation also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they seek to navigate the remaining qualification pathway.

‘Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again,’ the NFF stated.