‘We Are Not Giving Up’: NFF Apologises Over Super Falcons’ WAFCON Setback

‘We Are Not Giving Up’: NFF Apologises Over Super Falcons’ WAFCON Setback

By Niyi Busari 

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 to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in a statement issued on behalf of the federation’s Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community, expressed regret over the outcome and acknowledged the disappointment it had caused supporters across the country.

“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,” Gusau said.

He offered a special apology to President Tinubu, noting the administration’s support for Nigerian sports, particularly women’s football.

Gusau recalled the recognition and rewards given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON triumph, including financial incentives, national honours, houses and a reception by the Federal Government.

He said the support demonstrated the President’s commitment to Nigerian athletes and the role of sport in promoting national unity and inspiring the younger generation.

“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,” Gusau said.

The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and the millions of Nigerian supporters at home and abroad.

Despite missing the direct qualification opportunity, the federation said the Super Falcons remain in contention for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the CAF play-off route.

The NFF said the team would now focus on securing one of the two available CAF play-off tickets before attempting to qualify through the FIFA play-off tournament.

“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” the federation said.

The NFF also promised to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations to identify areas that require improvement.

According to the federation, the assessment will be aimed at ensuring that the Super Falcons are better prepared for the challenges ahead.

“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 called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they pursue the remaining route 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 said.