President Bola Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite their agonising loss to DR Congo in a playoff on Sunday.
The encounter at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Nigeria initially took the lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute via M. Elia. Both sides created chances in extra time, with Tolu Arokodare missing a header for Nigeria and goalkeeper Nwabali making a crucial save for the team.
The decisive shootout saw Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon miss early penalties, while Nwabali denied DR Congo’s first attempt. DR Congo eventually triumphed 4–3, ending Nigeria’s World Cup hopes for the second consecutive tournament. The Leopards now advance to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu lauded the Super Eagles for their determination and commitment.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said, urging Nigerian football stakeholders to evaluate the team’s performance. “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”
The President stressed that focus should now shift to the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled from January to February 2026. “Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he added, emphasising that lessons from the World Cup qualifiers should guide preparations for the continental tournament.
Tinubu also encouraged fans nationwide to continue backing the team, highlighting the players’ resilience and dedication despite the disappointment of their World Cup exit.
