Shaibu to Super Eagles: Forget World Cup Loss, Focus on AFCON

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has called on the Super Eagles to quickly put their World Cup heartbreak behind them and channel their energy toward a strong outing at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nigeria fell 3-4 to DR Congo in a dramatic playoff encounter on Sunday in Rabat — a result that confirmed the country’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It marks the Eagles’ second consecutive failure to qualify for football’s biggest showpiece.

Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, described the defeat as “painful” but urged Nigerians not to abandon the team, stressing the need for unity and renewed support as the Eagles aim to redeem themselves at the AFCON.

“Missing out again from the World Cup is very painful. The boys put in a strong performance, but they lost gallantly. They wanted to be at the World Cup, but it was not meant to be,” Shaibu said.

He tasked the team to “shift focus to the AFCON” and use the tournament as an opportunity to win back the hearts of Nigerians by pushing for a fourth continental title next month in Morocco.

Shaibu also appealed to fans across the country: “We are all pained by the loss, but we must move on. I urge Nigerians to continue supporting the national team at all times. Let’s put this defeat behind us and rally behind the Eagles as they prepare for the AFCON.”