Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the absence as painful for both himself and his teammates.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history, got underway last week with nations from across the world competing for football’s biggest prize.
Nigeria, however, is not among the participants despite Africa receiving nine automatic qualification places and an additional playoff spot.
The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes ended after they finished second in their group before being eliminated by DR Congo in the continental playoffs.
The outcome condemned Nigeria to a second consecutive World Cup absence and extended the country’s wait for a return to the global showpiece.
Speaking during a recent social media livestream, Osimhen admitted that missing the tournament has been difficult to accept.
“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys,” the striker said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent qualification struggles, he added: “We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving.”
Nigeria last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, meaning several members of the current squad, including Osimhen, are yet to feature at the tournament.
The striker’s comments mark his first public reaction to the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
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