Missing World Cup Hurts, Says Osimhen as Super Eagles Endure Another Absence

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has spoken publicly for the first time about Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the disappointment as painful for both himself and his teammates.

The expanded tournament, which now features 48 teams for the first time in FIFA history, is currently underway, bringing together nations from across the globe in football’s biggest competition.

Nigeria, however, is notably absent despite Africa being allocated nine automatic qualification spots and an additional playoff berth under the expanded format.

The Super Eagles hopes of reaching the tournament were dashed after they failed to secure automatic qualification before suffering elimination in the continental playoff stage against DR Congo.

The outcome means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, extending a worrying trend for one of Africa’s most successful football nations.

The three-time African champions last appeared at the World Cup in Russia in 2018. As a result, several members of the current Super Eagles squad, including Osimhen, have never experienced football's biggest stage.

Speaking during a recent social media livestream, the 27-year-old striker admitted that the disappointment remains difficult to accept.

“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys,” Osimhen said.

Reflecting on the team's recent qualification struggles, he added: “We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving.”

Osimhen's remarks mirror the frustration felt by many Nigerian football supporters who had hoped the expanded World Cup format would increase the country's chances of qualification.

Instead, the Super Eagles will once again watch from the sidelines as other nations compete for the sport's most prestigious trophy.

For Osimhen, regarded as one of Africa's leading forwards, the missed opportunity is particularly significant. Despite establishing himself among Europe's elite strikers and winning major individual honours in recent years, the World Cup remains a stage he is yet to grace.

Nigeria's absence from the 2026 tournament has also reignited conversations about the need for long-term planning, improved football administration and greater consistency in international competitions.

With the World Cup now out of reach, attention will shift to upcoming continental assignments and the task of rebuilding confidence within the national team.

The Super Eagles will be aiming to return stronger in future qualification campaigns and avoid a prolonged absence from football's biggest showcase.

For now, however, the disappointment remains fresh, as one of Africa's football giants watches another World Cup from afar.