Shift focus to AFCON to recover lost glory, Tinubu tells Super Eagles
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, despite Sunday’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Morocco.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
Mr Tinubu urged the team to put the loss behind them and focus on preparations for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
The Eagles were edged out of the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw in extra time, followed by a 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo, marking Nigeria’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The president said that although the defeat was painful, the team deserved commendation for their spirited push, particularly after winning the first playoff match against Gabon.
He added that “notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”
The Super Eagles fell just short in the last AFCON final, edged narrowly 2-1 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a tense showdown that left Nigeria with a hard-fought silver.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
‘You’re an irresponsible madman who belongs in zoo,’ Fayose sends ‘appreciation’ text to Obasanjo
Mr Obasanjo, speaking at the birthday party, mocked a poultry project initiated by Mr Fayose when he was governor.
NationWide
Veteran journalist Dan Agbese dies at 81
Mr Agbese, 81, died on Monday in Lagos, according to a statement by the family.
States
Police arrest suspected kidnappers, ritualists in Ondo
Mr Ayanlade said the suspects, led by one Ifeoluwa Julius, had long been on the command’s watch list for alleged involvement in violent crimes.
States
Tinubu vows to rescue abducted Kebbi schoolgirls
Bandits, on Monday, invaded Government Girls’ School and abducted 25 female students in Kebbi.
Education
Strike: ASUU urges Nigeria to beg FG to resolve outstanding issues
According to him, the best way to revitalise public universities is through sincere negotiation.
States
Atiku condemns Kebbi school attack, says insecurity worsening under Tinubu
“These acts of barbarity have no place in a civilised society,” said Mr Abubakar.
