Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has spoken candidly about the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting the disappointment remains difficult to overcome.
The Super Eagles will once again be absent from football’s biggest stage after falling short in their bid to reach the tournament scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria initially struggled through a qualifying campaign that featured South Africa and Benin Republic before being handed a final opportunity through the playoff route. After overcoming Gabon, the Super Eagles saw their hopes of qualification come to an end following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.
READMORE: Mbappe and Barcola help France survive Senegal scare to begin World Cup campaign with victory
As the World Cup games continues, Osimhen has revealed that the pain of missing out remains fresh among members of the national team.
The Galatasaray forward, who has emerged as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers in recent years, admitted that failing to reach a second consecutive World Cup is a bitter reality for both him and his teammates.
“I feel bad not playing at the World Cup. This is the second time in a row,” Osimhen said.
“I was talking with the other guys and they feel the same way, but we move.”
The 27-year-old was expected to be one of the leading African stars at the global showpiece, having enjoyed another impressive period at club level and established himself as a key figure for Nigeria.
Instead, the Super Eagles will watch from afar as more than 1,200 players from around the world compete at the tournament.
Osimhen’s comments shows the frustration felt across Nigerian football following another unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles have now missed back-to-back editions of the tournament after also failing to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
