President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, despite their defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s playoff clash.
The Eagles’ hopes of returning to the World Cup were extinguished after DR Congo edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in Rabat, Morocco. The match had ended 1-1 after extra time, extending Nigeria’s absence from the global tournament to a second consecutive edition.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged the team and football administrators to move past the disappointment and turn their focus to the 2025 African Cup of Nations, scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
“President Tinubu says that, although it was painful that the Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, the team must be commended for striving hard to reach the Mundial, particularly after winning their first playoff match,” the statement read.
The President acknowledged the players’ commitment, noting that they fought hard throughout the qualifiers, particularly after winning their first playoff match.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” Onanuga quoted President Tinubu to have said.