Nigerians express disappointment as Super Eagles miss second consecutive World Cup
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup commences in North America, many Nigerians are experiencing disappointment due to the Super Eagles' absence from the tournament for the second consecutive time. Despite the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams and increased qualification slots for Africa, Nigeria failed to secure a spot. This has led to frustration among fans like Soyemi Tosin, a Nigerian living in the UK, who had saved money to watch the Super Eagles play in person, and Precious Ogbolu, a Nigerian resident in Canada, who had hoped to see the team play in his host city. The absence also impacts content creators and influencers, who face significant financial losses from missed sponsorship and engagement opportunities. Nigeria's failure to qualify stems from an inconsistent campaign in a group many considered favorable, marked by multiple coaching changes and a heartbreaking elimination in the continental play-offs. Critics, including former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and midfielder Sunday Oliseh, attribute these issues to structural problems and mismanagement within the Nigerian Football Federation. Social media reflects a mix of grief, frustration, and anger, with many questioning how a country with such talent could miss out while 10 other African nations qualified. The economic impact is also felt by businesses like viewing centers, bars, and hotels that typically benefit from increased patronage during major tournaments. Despite the widespread disappointment, some hope rem
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