NFF Vows Thorough Overhaul After Nigeria’s World Cup Miss

NFF Vows Thorough Overhaul After Nigeria’s World Cup Miss

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced plans for a comprehensive review following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the setback as a moment of “national grief.” The pledge was disclosed on Monday, November 17, 2025, in a statement shared on the federation’s official X handle, according to a report by Punch.

Nigeria suffered a decisive defeat to DR Congo in Sunday’s Africa Play-off Final, ending hopes of returning to football’s biggest stage. It marks the second consecutive World Cup the Super Eagles will miss an outcome the NFF says falls far short of national expectations.

In its statement, the federation said it will embark on a “rigorous, honest and strategic review process” in the coming days. The evaluation will scrutinise technical, administrative and structural shortcomings that contributed to the failure, with reforms expected to reposition Nigerian football for sustained competitiveness.

The NFF expressed regret to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of Nigerian fans worldwide, acknowledging that supporters “deserved more” from the national team. Rebuilding trust, it said, is now a top priority.

Despite the disappointment, the federation reaffirmed football’s unifying power in Nigeria, calling it “a national language, a source of pride and a symbol of unity.” It pledged renewed transparency, accountability and commitment as it charts a path forward.

With the World Cup opportunity gone, the NFF said attention now shifts to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the tournament as the next major chance to restore confidence and revive the Super Eagles’ competitive edge.

The federation concluded by assuring that “this setback will not be the final word on Nigerian football,” promising sweeping reforms to rebuild the team, restore national pride and reclaim Nigeria’s place on the global stage.