President Bola Tinubu has extended a lukewarm pat on the back to our beloved Super Eagles after their gut-wrenching exit from the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Yes, you heard it right! Despite their abysmal loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the President urges them to “keep their heads up.” But is that really enough?

In a predictably scripted statement released by his spokesperson, the President implores the Eagles to forget their painful elimination and refocus on the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, which is set to take place in January-February 2026. But can mere words heal the wounds of disappointment that have left fans in despair?

After a nail-biting match that ended in a 1-1 deadlock following extra time, the Super Eagles faced a shocking demise in a penalty shootout, succumbing 4-3 to DR Congo. For the second time running, Nigeria’s dreams of World Cup glory have been dashed,thanks to a lack of preparation and strategic foresight!

Despite acknowledging the “pain” of this failure, Tinubu reduced the Eagles’ hard work to mere lip service. “We must commend the players for their efforts,” he stated, but what does that really mean in the face of such dismal performances? His call for football administrators and players alike to “go back to the drawing board” reeks of a missed opportunity for accountability and action!

Now, as the Super Eagles gear up for the AFCON, Tinubu’s rhetoric of “recovering lost glory” feels more like a hollow mantra than a plan. Fans are left wondering: Will this be another empty promise, or will we see real change in our football administration?

The AFCON stands before us as a potential stage for redemption, but can the Super Eagles truly reclaim their status as a powerhouse in African football? With the government’s support hanging in the balance and the fans’ spirits at an all-time low, one can only speculate if this team has what it takes to rise from the ashes.

As we await answers, the pressure is mounting for both the Super Eagles and Tinubu’s administration. Will we witness a revival or continue to descend into mediocrity? The clock is ticking, and the world will be watching!

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