As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles have expressed disappointment over the team’s failure to qualify for football’s biggest tournament.
According to the team’s Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, many players are still struggling to come to terms with Nigeria’s absence from the competition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking from the Super Eagles camp ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal in Lisbon, Efoghe revealed that the World Cup remains a major topic of discussion among the players.
He noted that several key members of the squad, including Wilfred Ndidi, Terem Moffi, and Paul Onuachu, are deeply saddened by the prospect of watching the tournament from afar rather than participating on the global stage.
“The players are genuinely disappointed. Missing out on the World Cup is painful for them because every footballer dreams of competing at that level,” Efoghe said.
Despite the setback, the Super Eagles have shifted their attention to future competitions, particularly the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The players are determined to make amends and restore pride among Nigerian football fans.
Efoghe stated that the squad is gradually overcoming the disappointment and embracing the vision of head coach Eric Chelle, whose influence he believes is helping to build a stronger and more competitive team.
He added that a new generation of players is emerging, drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s iconic USA ’94 squad, and expressed confidence that the team will soon return to the top level of international football.
According to him, the Super Eagles have recorded 17 victories and only three defeats since their World Cup qualification disappointment, a run that reflects the team’s steady progress under Chelle’s leadership.
Nigeria will face Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on June 10, with kickoff scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Nigerian time. The match is expected to provide another opportunity for the Eagles to continue their rebuilding process and prepare for upcoming continental assignments.
