President Bola Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their efforts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, despite their loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Morocco.
The message was communicated by presidential spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.
Tinubu encouraged the team to move past the defeat and concentrate on their preparations for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
The Eagles were eliminated from the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw in extra time, followed by a 4-3 loss in penalties to DR Congo, marking Nigeria’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The president acknowledged that while the loss was disappointing, the team deserved recognition for their determined performance, especially after winning their first playoff match against Gabon.
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He stated that “despite the unfortunate defeat, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.
“We need to address all the shortcomings. Our football administrators, players, and all stakeholders must reevaluate our strategies.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must reclaim their lost glory.”
The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on the last AFCON title, losing 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a closely contested final, which left Nigeria with a hard-earned silver medal.
