By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
MEANWHILE, ENCOURAGING guidance from the Presidency followed Nigeria’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race as President Bola Tinubu commended the Super Eagles for what he described as their committed efforts throughout the playoffs.
His statement, issued after the national team lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a decisive penalty shootout on Sunday in Morocco, emphasises the need for renewed concentration on the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
The President notes that, despite widespread disappointment, the players demonstrated determination and must now channel that energy toward continental competition.
The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, (Information & Strategy) on 17 November 2025 explains that Nigeria’s attempt to return to the World Cup came to an end following a tightly contested encounter that concluded 1-1 after extra time.
The Super Eagles then lost 4-3 on penalties, allowing DR Congo to progress to the Inter-Confederation play-off.
According to the President, the team’s performance across the qualification stages reflected a genuine push toward securing a place in the global tournament.
He admitted that he recognises that missing out for the second successive cycle is painful for both players and supporters but maintains that the squad made significant effort in pursuit of the ticket.
President Tinubu encourages the national team to put the setback behind them as he urges the players and administrators to shift attention quickly to the upcoming AFCON, which the President describes as the next immediate target for Nigerian football.
He states that the team must regroup and use the remaining preparation period to strengthen every part of the squad, highlighting that recovering confidence will be essential as the nation seeks to regain continental prominence.
He further notes that the playoff defeat should serve as a point for reflection.
The President then calls for a complete review of technical and administrative approaches connected to the qualifiers.
His instruction includes examining areas where improvements can be made and reinforcing structures necessary for consistent performance and stresses that the lessons from the qualification campaign must form the foundation of Nigeria’s next steps in football development.
Nigeria’s President also acknowledges that the result in Morocco was difficult for Nigerians, especially considering the team’s earlier victory in the first leg of their playoff assignment.
Still, he maintained that the players displayed commendable resolve and asserts the need for sustained support from all stakeholders.
According to the President, constructive engagement from football administrators, coaches, and stakeholders remains vital ahead of the continental tournament.
Our problem is NFF
We aren’t even qualifying for tournaments that we used to be favorite to win.
It is that terrible.
You’re very correct. Sadly, it has been Nigeria’s years’ long problems. I don’t know why they keep doing that. But, thankfully, President Tinubu has instructed them to put their lives in order. Thanks for reading us.