Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their determination and spirited performance in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a tense playoff encounter on Sunday.
The match, played in Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, before Nigeria lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of returning to the global tournament after missing the last edition.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged the team to put the painful loss behind them and immediately begin preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
He acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time but stressed that the players deserved commendation for their spirited effort, especially after winning their first playoff match.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” the President said.
He also called on football administrators, players, and other stakeholders to “plug all loopholes” and return to the drawing board to rebuild and strengthen the national team.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” Tinubu added.
