Put World Cup loss behind, focus on AFCON – Tinubu tells Super Eagles

Chinenye Ogbonna November 17, 2025

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Following the Super Eagles’ heartbreaking exit from the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, President Bola Tinubu has urged the national team to quickly regroup and turn their attention to the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the players for their effort despite Sunday’s painful loss to DR Congo. Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes collapsed after a tense 1-1 draw in Morocco, followed by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat, marking the country’s second consecutive failure to reach the tournament.

Tinubu acknowledged the nation’s disappointment but stressed the need for unity and reflection.

He said Nigeria must “plug all loopholes,” urging football administrators, players, and stakeholders to return to the drawing board.

The President also issued a clear directive:

“Now is the time to focus fully on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover their lost glory.”

With AFCON scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the pressure is now on the team to bounce back and deliver a strong performance.