Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as “bad,” expressing disappointment over the country’s second consecutive absence from football’s biggest stage.
Nigeria were ruled out of the tournament after losing their World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo, ending hopes of securing a place at the 2026 edition currently underway.
Meanwhile, several African nations including Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Tunisia, South Africa and Algeria, are representing the continent at the global competition.
Osimhen: “It’s bad for all of us”
Reacting during a recent social media livestream, Osimhen admitted the setback has been painful for the team and fans.
“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys,” he said.
He added that missing out on back-to-back tournaments is difficult to accept, but urged perspective.
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“We have missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving,” said the Galatasaray forward.
Nigeria’s consecutive absence from the World Cup tournaments has raised concerns about the team’s recent performances, with expectations high for a reset ahead of future international competitions.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.