President Bola Tinubu has reacted to Nigeria's failed FIFA World Cup campaign following the Super Eagles defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoffs.

Eric Chelle's side lost 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards after 120 minutes of football ended in a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Sunday, November 16.

The defeat means that Nigeria will now miss out on two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments after Ghana edged the Super Eagles in the doubleheader playoffs in 2022.

Reacting to the defeat, President Tinubu urged the team to put the loss behind them and quickly turn their attention to the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”

WDN