President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to turn their focus toward the 2026 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, encouraging the team to bounce back swiftly from Sunday’s World Cup playoff loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized that the team must now “focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations” after narrowly missing out on a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive cycle.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed in Rabat, where a tense match ended 1-1 in extra time, and DR Congo advanced by winning 4-3 on penalties to enter the Inter-Confederation play-off.
Despite the setback, Tinubu praised the players for their dedication throughout the qualifiers, highlighting their resilience, especially after winning the first leg of the playoff.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.
The President also called for a thorough evaluation of the country’s football operations, urging administrators, coaches, players, and stakeholders to revisit strategies and “plug all the loopholes” that hindered the qualification campaign.
Acknowledging the disappointment felt by fans nationwide, he noted that the upcoming AFCON—slated for January to February 2026—offers an immediate chance for redemption.
“Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” President Tinubu said, motivating the team to prepare fully and aim for a strong performance on the continental stage.
