President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria's Super Eagles to immediately redirect their attention toward the upcoming African Cup of Nations following their devastating elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
World Cup Dreams Shattered in Morocco
The Nigerian national team's hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup were crushed on Sunday, November 16, when DR Congo defeated them in a dramatic playoff match. The intense encounter ended 1-1 after extra time before being decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout in favor of the Congolese team.
This heartbreaking loss means the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, marking what many consider a significant setback for one of Nigeria's most talented football generations.
Presidential Mandate: From Disappointment to Determination
In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the deep disappointment felt across the nation but emphasized the need for immediate forward movement. "Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them," the President stated.
Tinubu delivered a clear directive to all football stakeholders, saying "We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board."
AFCON 2025: The New Priority
The President concluded with an unambiguous mission for the team: "Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory."
All attention now turns to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This continental championship represents the immediate opportunity for redemption and glory for the Super Eagles.
The pressure is now immense on the Nigerian team to deliver outstanding performance at AFCON 2025 and restore national pride after the World Cup qualification disappointment.
