Tinubu Sends Message To Super Eagles After World Cup Miss

17 Nov 2025, 12:09 by Enioluwa Adeniyi · Naija News

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Super Eagles for their resilience and spirited performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against DR Congo, despite Nigeria’s elimination after a tense penalty shootout on Sunday night.

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as DR Congo progressed to the intercontinental playoff with a 4–3 penalty win after a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes.

The Super Eagles started brightly, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka. However, DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute when M. Elia levelled the score.

Extra time produced nervy moments for both sides, Tolu Arokodare missed a close-range header, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali pulled off a key save from a fierce free kick. Neither side could find a winner, pushing the contest to penalties.

Nigeria missed twice through Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon, while Nwabali saved DR Congo’s opening kick. The Congolese converted their remaining efforts to seal the victory and advance.

The result means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup, while DR Congo now stands one playoff away from securing a slot in the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a statement issued Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to dwell solely on the disappointment.

“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” the President said.

He called on football administrators, coaches and stakeholders to begin an urgent overhaul.

“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” Tinubu said, stressing that critical self-assessment was necessary after such a costly defeat.

Focus Shifts To 2026 AFCON In Morocco

President Tinubu said attention must now turn to the African Cup of Nations scheduled for January–February 2026 in Morocco, urging the team to bounce back stronger.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he added.

Tinubu encouraged fans nationwide to remain steadfast in their support, insisting the players displayed doggedness despite the heartbreak.

He noted that the Super Eagles fought hard over both legs of the playoff and held their nerve through a high-pressure shootout, which showed their commitment to the national cause.