Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) has charged Nigeria’s Super Eagles to shift their focus to the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing out on the world cup qualification.

9news Nigeria reports that the team lost 3-4 on penalties to the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a one-all draw after regulation time on Sunday.

The result meant Nigeria will not progress to the intercontinental stage of the World Cup playoffs, hence will not be at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by U.S, Canada and Mexico.

In a statement by Ben Ogbemudia, the Special Assistant on Media to the D-G, Shiabu described the loss as painful, while appealing to Nigerians not to relent in their support for the team.

“Missing out again from the world cup is very painful.

“The boys put a strong performance but they lost gallantly. I knew they also wanted to go to the world Cup but it was not meant to be.

“I want to charge the boys to shift their focus to the upcoming AFCON and use the continental tournament to appease Nigerians, fans and supporters by winning their fourth title in Morocco next month.

“Also, I want to appeal to Nigerians to continue with their support for the national team at all times.

“It’s an understatement to say that we are all pained by the loss but I want to ask Nigerians that we should move on and put this defeat behind us,” he said.

The 35th edition of the AFCON is scheduled for Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, 2026.