NFF Issues Apology Statement to President Tinubu and Nigerians After Super Falcons’ WAFCON Quarter-Final Defeat

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ disappointing 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding to the disappointment surrounding the team’s campaign.

In a statement released on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football family, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed regret over the result and apologised for failing to meet the expectations of the country.

“We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons,” Gusau said. “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.”

“Mr. President has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports and, particularly, to the development and welfare of women in sports,” the statement said. It recalled the substantial rewards, national honours, houses and reception given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON triumph, as well as continued support for the Super Eagles.

“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. We sincerely apologise to Mr. President and deeply appreciate his continued interest, encouragement and investment in Nigerian football.”