Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has admitted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a painful disappointment for him and his international teammates, Footynaija.com reports.
Despite boasting one of the most talented squads on the African continent, the Super Eagles missed out on a place at the Mundial for the second consecutive edition after an underwhelming qualifying campaign that saw them surrender crucial points against lower-ranked opposition before ultimately falling short of securing a ticket to the tournament.
Nigeria’s absence from the competition has continued to attract criticism and reflection from supporters and players alike, especially given that the 2026 edition features an expanded format with 48 participating nations and a record number of 10 qualification slots allocated to Africa.
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Osimhen, who has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most important players in recent years, has now opened up on the disappointment of watching the tournament unfold without the Super Eagles among the competing nations.
Speaking about Nigeria’s failure to qualify, the former African Player of the Year admitted that the feeling remains difficult to accept.
“I feel bad not playing at the World Cup. This is the second time in a row. I was talking with the other guys and they feel the same way, but we move,” Osimhen said in quotes revealed by This Day Live.
The 27-year-old would definitely have been one of the leading figures for Nigeria at the global showpiece after enjoying another prolific season at club level, but the Super Eagles’ qualification struggles ensured those ambitions never materialised.
While the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup lingers, Osimhen and his teammates will now have to shift their attention towards future international commitments as they seek to help Nigeria return to football’s biggest stage when qualification for the next tournament begins.
