The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed regret and tendered an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a statement, NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the apology was made on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family.
Gusau described the development as disappointing, particularly given Nigeria’s pedigree in women’s football and the expectations surrounding the nine-time African champions.
The Super Falcons’ hopes of winning the continental title and securing a direct route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup suffered a major setback after they were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria lost 1-0 to the Indomitable Lionesses, with Myriam Nyadjou’s first-half free-kick proving decisive in the keenly contested encounter.
The defeat means the Super Falcons must now rely on the World Cup qualification playoff route to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament alive.
The NFF acknowledged the disappointment caused by the result and apologised to Nigerians who had expected the team to go further in Morocco.
Gusau said the federation remains committed to supporting the team and addressing the shortcomings exposed during the tournament.
The Super Falcons had entered the competition among the favourites, having won the previous edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and boasting a rich history of success on the continent.
Their quarter-final exit therefore represents a significant disappointment for Nigerian football, especially with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification now requiring an additional hurdle.
The NFF is expected to work with the technical crew and relevant stakeholders to assess the team’s performance and prepare adequately for the playoff opportunity.
The federation also called for continued support for the players as they seek to recover from the setback and fight for a place at the global tournament.
For Nigeria, the immediate objective is now clear: regroup, learn from the disappointment and secure qualification through the playoff route.
The Super Falcons remain one of Africa’s most decorated women’s football teams, and their ability to respond to this setback will be closely watched as preparations for the World Cup qualification playoff intensify.
