‘We need you gone’ - Nigerians reject NFF’s apology after back-to-back World Cup failure

Nigerians have overwhelmingly rejected the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) long-awaited apology following the Super Eagles’ back-to-back failures to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, calling instead for urgent reforms and accountability.

The NFF issued a public apology after Nigeria’s narrow 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, which dashed hopes of a third consecutive World Cup appearance. 

The federation expressed its regrets to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of passionate fans, stating:

"The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole; and to millions of Nigerians, most especially our passionate, loyal football fans, following the pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth."

However, the apology was met with fierce criticism on social media, where fans voiced their deep frustration and demanded sweeping changes. 

One fan blasted the NFF: "The NFF has mastered only one thing: failure with grammar. Long apologies, zero accountability. You destroyed the league, frustrated talents, politicised call-ups, ate funding, and now act shocked at the result. This World Cup exit is not a tragedy, it’s a scorecard. No more ‘we sincerely apologise’. We sincerely need you gone!!"

Others chimed in, "We no longer want mediocrity in the NFF; most of the officials know nothing about football and sport as a whole. Why not just resign willingly, of course no integrity and shame." 

Another expressed disbelief at the federation’s leadership: "What is the NFF doing with all the money FIFA has been giving you? You can't even release a statement like a proper organisation or get verified. I can’t believe nobody in the NFF has resigned till now - it shows what a mess of a country we’re living in. Zero accountability."

The NFF acknowledged the gravity of the moment and pledged to conduct a full review to reposition Nigeria’s national teams for future success. 

Despite this, the harsh public backlash shows the urgent demand among Nigerians for structural reforms and transparent leadership in Nigerian football.

As the nation comes to terms with another World Cup heartbreak, fans remain steadfast in their call for accountability and a definite end to a cycle of disappointment. 

The federation’s next steps will be closely scrutinised as Nigeria looks to rebuild confidence ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.