President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite their loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s playoff in Morocco.
The Nigerian team’s World Cup hopes ended after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, with DR Congo prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout to secure a spot in the Inter-Confederation playoffs.
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In a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, November 17, the President urged the team to move past the disappointment and focus on the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Crash Out of 2026 World Cup After Suprising Loss To DR Congo
President Tinubu said, “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them. We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board. Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”
He emphasised that while missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive edition was painful, the team’s determination and victory in their first playoff match deserved recognition.
