- ‘Time to Refocus on AFCON’ – Tinubu Tells Super Eagles After Dr Congo Defeat
- Tinubu urges urgent reforms and renewed focus on upcoming AFCON tournament
- Super Eagles praised for commitment despite missing another World Cup
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their determination and spirited display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against DR Congo, despite Nigeria’s exit after a tense penalty shootout on Sunday night.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Emirates To Resume Flights To Nigeria After Two-Year Suspension
- Trump: BBC Questions Data Behind ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims In Nigeria
- PDP Faction Postpones Ekiti Governorship Primary
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria’s hopes ended at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff with a 4-3 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw stretched through 120 minutes. The Super Eagles made a strong start, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka. DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute when M. Elia equalised.
Extra time saw close chances on both ends. Tolu Arokodare missed a key header from close range, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced an important save from a powerful free kick. With neither side able to snatch a winner, the match moved to penalties.
Nigeria faltered from the spot as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their kicks. Although Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt, the Congolese converted the remaining efforts to secure their place in the next round. The defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive edition, while DR Congo move within one playoff tie of booking a place in the expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a statement released Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to look beyond the disappointment and praise the team’s effort. He called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s football structure.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players and all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” Tinubu said, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
He also urged a renewed focus on the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled for January and February, noting that the team must recover quickly.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he said.
The President encouraged fans to remain supportive, noting that the players showed commitment and resilience throughout both legs of the playoff.
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu Swears In Two New Ministers
- Hilda Baci Receives Second Guinness World Record Plaque
- Senate Passes Landmark Bill: Lecturers Who S3xually Harass Students to Face 14 Years in Jail
