National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade has called for calm and unity following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the nation to shift its attention to rebuilding ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles’ hopes ended dramatically in Rabat on Sunday after a tense 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, sparking renewed criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation. But Olopade cautioned against blame-trading, insisting that emotional reactions would not help the team recover.

“This is not the time to start talking about who did what and who did not do what,” he told journalists. “We have lost the possibility of going to the World Cup. We need to go back, sit down, and recalibrate.”

Olopade acknowledged the disappointment felt across the country, noting that even he struggled with the result. Still, he encouraged Nigerians to process the sadness and look ahead:

“We need to allow ourselves a moment to feel sad, hold on to our pillows, but tomorrow we must wake up and remember that we are Nigerians. We must move on and push forward.”

He said he had spoken with the players and coaching staff, praising them for their efforts and describing them as heroes who should not be abandoned at their lowest moment.

He also met with younger players to prepare them mentally for the next phase of their journey, with AFCON now the immediate priority.

“The next immediate battle is the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. “We all must recalibrate, come together, and prepare for future challenges.”

Addressing social media criticisms, Olopade said public pressure would not derail his work, adding that many Nigerians do not fully understand the distinction between the NSC and the NFF.

“People will talk… Many people do not know the difference between the NSC and the NFF. But it’s okay. It has happened. We move on.”

Nigeria’s exit capped a turbulent period for the team, following reports of a training boycott in Morocco over unpaid bonuses ahead of the semi-final clash with Gabon—an issue that, despite being resolved, reopened wider concerns about football governance and player welfare.

The NFF has since apologised to the President, the Federal Government and Nigerians, calling the defeat “a moment of profound sadness” and stressing that the focus now shifts to restoring pride at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.

Olopade echoed that sentiment, urging Nigerians to stay united as the Super Eagles prepare for their next challenge.