Former Nigeria national football team coach, Jo Bonfrere has urged the Super Eagles to draw a line under their failed bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup and immediately begin planning for future tournaments.
The Super Eagles will miss back-to-back World Cups when the competition kicks off across Canada, Mexico and the United States in June. It marks a worrying trend for the three-time African champions, whose absence has raised fresh concerns about long-term planning and squad development.
The team’s recent struggles began after they were eliminated by fierce rivals the Black Stars of Ghana in the play-offs for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar. Hopes of redemption were dashed again in November 2025 when the side, now led by Éric Chelle, lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the African play-off final.
Bonfrere believes the setback should serve as a turning point rather than a lingering burden.
“Super Eagles must put the 2026 World Cup disappointment behind them. Preparation for 2030 and 2034 must start now,” Bonfrere said during an interview with Complete Sports.
“It is not good that Nigeria will not be at the World Cup in 2026. It is not good for the players, not good for Nigeria, and not good for Africa.
“The Federation (NFF) must learn from the mistakes that led to Nigeria missing the 2026 World Cup. They should correct them and plan properly for 2030, starting with the 2027 AFCON.
“There are many talented Nigerian players in top European clubs, and it will be unfortunate if they miss out on three consecutive World Cups.”
