Abuja – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria over the inability of the country to qualify for the World Cup holding in Quatar.
The NFF apology was contained in a communique issued at the end of its Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
In the communique signed by its Secretary,Mohammed Sanusi,the NFF praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his personal presence at the stadium and apologised that the team faltered in the quest for a ticket to Qatar.
The NFF also commended, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare for his support and understanding since his assumption office.
Ghana had on March 29 played a 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The result saw Ghana qualifying for the World Cup at the expense of Nigeria on away goal superiority.
In response to outpouring of emotions by fans and stakeholders over the World Cup miss, the NFF assured that decisive steps will be taken in the next few days to reposition Nigeria football in several areas, including the National Teams.
“The Executive Committee mandated its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to, within the next 5 days, make recommendations to the Executive Committee on coaching crews for the Super Eagles, the CHAN team, the U-20 Boys (Flying Eagles) and the U-17 Boys (Golden Eaglets) ahead of upcoming assignments.
“This is to ensure preparations for the next qualifying tournaments and championships commence in earnest,” the communique said.
The football body hailed the Super Falcons for its qualification for the 12th edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco in July.
It promised to provide the team support for adequate preparation for the Championship, adding it was aware that the event also serves as qualifying tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
“The Executive Committee also commended the U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, for its qualification for this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup taking place in Costa Rica in August, and charged the U-17 girls, Flamingos to put in the hard work necessary to win a ticket to this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place in India in October,” the communique added. (vitalnews)
