The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, issued the apology on behalf of the federation, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football family in a statement released on Tuesday, August 12.
The federation expressed regret over the disappointment caused by the team’s failure to secure one of the direct qualification tickets for the 2027 World Cup.
The NFF also issued a special apology to President Tinubu, acknowledging the support and rewards his administration had given the women’s national team following their previous WAFCON success.
“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,” the federation said.
The NFF added that the Federal Government had demonstrated strong commitment to Nigerian sports, particularly the development and welfare of women in sports.
“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 statement read.
The federation also apologised to the National Assembly, National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian football supporters at home and abroad.
Despite the setback, the NFF stressed that Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup 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 federation said.
The NFF further announced that it would undertake a comprehensive assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas that require improvement.
It said the federation, technical team and players remained committed to securing Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“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,” it said.
Acknowledging the disappointment among Nigerians, the federation accepted responsibility for the setback but vowed to continue pursuing qualification.
“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 appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“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 statement added.