The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep regret and tendered an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons, and the entire Nigerian football family, conveyed the federation’s disappointment over the team’s quarterfinal setback.

The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarterfinals, ending their hopes of progressing to the semifinals and earning one of the direct World Cup qualification tickets available through the tournament.

Gusau expressed the federation’s sincere apologies to the Nigerian government and people, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the result.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remain alive through the playoff route.

The Super Falcons will now have to navigate the additional qualification pathway in their bid to secure a place at the global tournament.

The NFF affirm supports to the team as preparations continue for the playoffs, with the Super Falcons expected to regroup, learn from the WAFCON disappointment, and fight for the remaining opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.

The Federation called on Nigerians and supporters of the team to continue to stand behind the Super Falcons as they embark on the next phase of their qualification journey.