President Bola Tinubu on Monday lavished praise on the Super Eagles for their resilience and determination in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, describing their effort against DR Congo as worthy of national commendation even though it ended in penalty-shootout agony.
In a statement released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the team’s journey to the final playoff demonstrated character and commitment that all Nigerians should celebrate.
The commendation came less than 24 hours after Nigeria’s dreams of appearing at the expanded 48-team World Cup were extinguished in Rabat, Morocco, where DR Congo prevailed 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
While acknowledging the pain of missing a second consecutive World Cup – the first back-to-back absence in over 15 years – the President struck an upbeat tone, insisting the performance showed the Super Eagles remain a force when united and supported.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the team rather than dwell on the defeat, pointing to the fast-approaching 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the perfect stage for redemption.
The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, will see Nigeria placed in Group C alongside Mali, Zambia and Comoros.
