By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Super Eagles for their spirited showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, even as Nigeria fell to DR Congo in a tense playoff decided by penalties on Sunday.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes collapsed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, after both sides played out a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes before Congo secured a 4-3 victory in the shootout. Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria an early lead in the third minute, but Meschack Elia levelled for DR Congo half an hour later. Extra time saw missed opportunities from both sides, including a close-range header by Tolu Arokodare and a crucial save by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from a Congolese free kick.
With no breakthrough in open play, the match went to penalties. Nwabali stopped DR Congo’s opening kick, but misses from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon proved costly as the Congolese advanced to the intercontinental playoff stage. The result means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for a second successive tournament.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the players for giving their all despite the painful outcome. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team through this difficult moment.
“Even with the disappointment, we must acknowledge the team’s effort and remain behind them,” Tinubu said.
He called on football administrators and other stakeholders to thoroughly review the team’s weaknesses exposed in the qualifiers. “We need to close the gaps. Our administrators, players, and everyone involved must return to the drawing board,” the President stressed.
Tinubu also shifted focus to the African Cup of Nations scheduled for January and February 2026 in Morocco, saying the competition provides an opportunity for the Super Eagles to restore pride.
“Now is the moment to channel our energy toward the Cup of Nations. The team must regain its lost glory,” he said, adding that lessons from the World Cup qualifiers should guide preparations for the continental championship.
The President encouraged Nigerian fans to stand firmly with the team, noting that the players demonstrated resilience and commitment throughout the qualifiers and the high-pressure playoff against DR Congo.
