Related Post
Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has spoken with deep emotion after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the setback as one that still weighs heavily on him, Footynaija reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico slipped away after a difficult qualifying campaign. The team missed out on an automatic spot and could not recover in the play-off race, eventually falling behind DR Congo in the battle for an intercontinental place. The outcome means the Super Eagles will miss a second straight World Cup, a rare and painful chapter for one of Africa’s most recognised football nations.
The disappointment is made worse for Ighalo by the quality of players in the current squad. The former Manchester United forward, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 tournament in Russia, believes this generation deserved the chance to perform on football’s biggest stage.
“Most of the players who played at the AFCON deserve to be at the World Cup,” Ighalo told Brila FM. “We have one of the best strikers in the world in Victor Osimhen, and he hasn’t been to the World Cup. Ademola Lookman, Chukwueze, all of them, I feel sad for them. I pray a miracle happens.”
Moment Odion Ighalo took Victor Osimhen to his mom for prayers over his injury ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Yf17bIJihE
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 20, 2026
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner admitted the situation has been difficult to accept, not only as a former player but also as a supporter.
“I was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and I saw things. I feel for the likes of Osimhen, Chukwueze, Lookman and all the young players doing well at their clubs.
“Personally, I feel sad because I wanted to watch the Eagles play. If you check the countries that are going, if we are not the best, we are one of the best teams in Africa. I feel like crying. In 2018, we qualified with two games to spare.“
OTD: Odion Ighalo scores a beauty vs Lask – 2020
— United Vault (@UtdVault) March 12, 2026
First game behind closed doors because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. United beat Lask 5-0.
pic.twitter.com/4D9NkmR7Bf
Nigeria’s absence is particularly striking given the country’s strong World Cup pedigree. The Super Eagles have featured at six previous tournaments, often reaching the knockout stages and earning a reputation for fearless, attacking football. From their memorable debut in 1994 to consistent appearances in later years, Nigeria have long been seen as one of Africa’s leading representatives on the global stage.
But recent campaigns tell a different story. After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, this latest failure confirms a worrying decline, leaving a talented generation without a platform many consider the pinnacle of international football.
