{"id":123825,"date":"2025-11-17T18:06:46","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T17:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=123825"},"modified":"2025-11-17T18:06:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T17:06:46","slug":"tinubu-hails-super-eagles-despite-world-cup-exit-shifts-focus-to-afcon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/tinubu-hails-super-eagles-despite-world-cup-exit-shifts-focus-to-afcon\/","title":{"rendered":"Tinubu Hails Super Eagles Despite World Cup Exit, Shifts Focus to AFCON"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/div>\n
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their effort in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers despite their agonizing exit, urging the team and football administrators to immediately redirect attention to preparations for next year\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.<\/div>\n
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Nigeria fell to DR Congo in a tense playoff that ended 1\u20131 after extra time before the Eagles were knocked out 4\u20133 on penalties. This is the national team’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.<\/div>\n
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Reacting to the setback, Tinubu described the result as disappointing but praised the national team for giving their all.<\/div>\n
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\u201cNotwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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The President called for a thorough review of the team\u2019s lapses, urging all stakeholders to begin rebuilding immediately ahead of AFCON 2025.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0\u201cWe must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
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Tinubu emphasised that national focus must now shift to the continental tournament, expressing optimism that the Eagles can bounce back.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0\u201cNow is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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He further assured that his administration remains committed to supporting the team and encouraged Nigerians to stand behind the Eagles as they prepare for the challenge ahead.<\/div>\n
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