President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Super Eagles for their showing in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff despite their penalty shootout loss to DR Congo on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria had taken an early lead before the Congolese drew level, with the match extending into extra time and later penalties, where DR Congo won 4–3.
The defeat means the Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive edition, but the President said the players demonstrated determination throughout the two-legged playoff.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said.
He urged officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and other key actors in the sport to openly examine the team’s overall performance. The President stressed that Nigeria must correct the errors that hindered the campaign and ensure the team is better prepared for future engagements.
Tinubu noted that the focus must now shift to the 2026 African Cup of Nations holding in Morocco, adding that the lessons from the World Cup qualifiers should guide preparations for the continental tournament.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” he said .“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he added.
He further encouraged Nigerians to stand firmly behind the national team, emphasising that their resilience in the playoff fixtures remains a sign of the progress that can be built upon ahead of the AFCON.
