Super Eagles must recover lost glory - Tinubu breaks silence after World Cup qualification setback

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to redirect their attention toward the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns following Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.

The president’s message comes after the Super Eagles suffered a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.

The match had ended 1-1 after extra time, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu encouraged both players and supporters to take the setback in stride and regroup ahead of future continental assignments.

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

“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 Nigeria must now set its sights on reclaiming dominance in African football, urging the team to internalise the lessons from their failed World Cup qualifier.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” Tinubu said, calling for renewed commitment and unity across all levels of the football system.