The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The federation, in a statement issued by its Communications Department on Tuesday, said it deeply regretted the disappointment caused by the team’s inability to secure one of the direct World Cup qualification places, but insisted that Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the global tournament remain alive through the CAF play-off route. Blueprint reports

The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who issued the apology on behalf of the Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football family, said the federation recognised the enormous expectations placed on defending African champions.

NFF apologises to Tinubu

Gusau extended a special apology to President Tinubu, acknowledging the support and goodwill the Federal Government has continued to demonstrate towards Nigerian sports, particularly women’s football.

According to the NFF, the President’s administration had shown unprecedented appreciation for the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, with members of the team receiving substantial financial rewards, national honours, houses and a special reception.

The federation said those gestures went beyond material rewards, describing them as evidence of the President’s belief in Nigerian athletes and the ability of sports to unite and inspire the country.

“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 NFF said.

The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian supporters who have continued to rally behind the team.

Falcons still have World Cup route

Despite the disappointment, the NFF stressed that the Super Falcons are not out of contention for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The team still has an opportunity to qualify through the CAF play-off pathway, with the federation promising to mobilise all necessary resources towards securing one of the available play-off tickets before pursuing qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.

The NFF said the remaining route would require the team to regroup quickly, learn from the setbacks experienced at the ongoing tournament and approach the next stage with renewed determination.

“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 statement said.

The federation’s position is that the failure to secure direct qualification should not be interpreted as the end of Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

Federation promises honest assessment

The NFF also promised to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the team’s campaign, including preparations, technical planning, logistics and other operational areas.

It said the review would be aimed at identifying shortcomings and ensuring that lessons from the tournament are applied before the crucial play-off matches.

The federation acknowledged that Nigerians have legitimate reasons to be disappointed, particularly given the Super Falcons’ pedigree in African women’s football and the level of support provided to the team.

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

The commitment comes against the backdrop of growing expectations surrounding the Super Falcons, who remain Nigeria’s most successful women’s football team and have historically been a dominant force on the continent.

‘We are not giving up’

The federation urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team despite the setback, insisting that the players and technical crew remain committed to securing the country’s place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

It said the team owes it not only to the President and the Nigerian public but also to generations of Super Falcons players who established the country’s legacy in women’s football.

The NFF also highlighted the importance of the team’s World Cup pursuit to young Nigerian girls who aspire to represent the country at the highest level.

“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 federation said.

Pressure mounts ahead of play-offs

The setback has now placed greater importance on Nigeria’s remaining matches at the WAFCON and the subsequent qualification pathway.

Rather than having a straightforward route to the World Cup through direct qualification, the Falcons will now have to navigate additional hurdles before securing their place at the 2027 tournament.

The NFF said it understands the magnitude of the task and promised that the team would be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

For the players, the immediate priority is to put the disappointment behind them and concentrate on the opportunity still available.

The federation’s apology also comes at a time when Nigerian football authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure that the country’s flagship women’s team does not miss another FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons missed the 2024 Olympic Games after failing to qualify, although they returned to the global stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the round of 16.

With the 2027 World Cup now the next major target, the NFF said it would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Nigeria remains in contention.

The federation concluded by thanking Nigerians for their continued support and urging supporters to remain behind the Falcons as they pursue the remaining route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.