President Bola Tinubu has charged the Super Eagles to “recover the lost glory” and shift their focus squarely to winning the next Africa Cup of Nations, following their agonising failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The President’s directive comes a day after the national team’s dream of playing in the global tournament was dashed in Rabat, Morocco, by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, saw Nigeria take an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, only for DR Congo to draw level through M. Elia before the half-hour mark. Despite chances at both ends, the deadlock could not be broken, leading to a dramatic and ultimately heartbreaking shootout for Nigerian supporters.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the players for their efforts but described the loss as “unfortunate.”
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” the President was quoted as saying.
He, however, issued a stern call for introspection, urging a complete overhaul of the national football structure. “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”
With the World Cup door closed for another cycle, the President immediately turned attention to the upcoming African Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco in early 2026.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” Tinubu asserted, emphasising that the hard lessons from the failed World Cup campaign must inform the preparations for the continental showpiece.
The President also sought to rally the nation behind the team, acknowledging the resilience and dedication shown by the players during the high-pressure playoff.
The victory secures DR Congo a place in the intercontinental playoffs, where they will have one final chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
