After the Nigerian men’s international team, the Super Eagles, crashed out of World Cup qualification on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu urged them to shift their focus to the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Port City News (TCPN) had earlier reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo eliminated the Super Eagles on penalties, 4-3, after the match ended 1-1 in Rabat, Morocco. The result meant Nigeria could not advance to the Inter-Confederation play-off.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu encouraged the team to concentrate on AFCON, scheduled to take place from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
He commended the Super Eagles for giving their best in the World Cup qualifiers, acknowledging that the exit was painful for the second consecutive time.
Also Read: Nigerians Cry, As Super Eagles Misses Out On World Cup
Tinubu added that the team deserved praise for their efforts, especially after winning their first playoff match.
He noted, “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.” This came after Super Eagles Coach blamed his penalty loss on the Voodoo practices of the Congo side
Head coach Eric Chelle’s team now has the opportunity to move past their World Cup disappointment, having secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. This year’s tournament will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Nigeria will kick off their campaign at Fez Stadium against Tanzania on 23 December 2025.
