Former Super Eagles defender Benedict Iroha has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the tournament is missing the unique atmosphere and excitement the three-time African champions traditionally bring to football’s biggest stage.
Iroha, a member of Nigeria’s celebrated 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, represented the country at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and remains one of the players closely associated with the Super Eagles’ rise on the global stage.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s maiden World Cup appearance in the United States 32 years ago, the former defender recalled the overwhelming support the team received from fans across America.
Speaking in an interview with Complete Sports, Iroha said memories from the 1994 tournament have resurfaced as the United States once again hosts World Cup matches.
“That was in 1994, the year the Nigeria Super Eagles first participated in the FIFA World Cup finals,” Iroha said.
“I recall the atmosphere when the Mexicans and Black Americans flooded the stadium, waving the Nigerian green-white-green flag, rooting for us and making the atmosphere electrifying, as if we were playing in Lagos.”
Former Super Eagles defender Benedict Iroha says the 2026 FIFA World Cup lacks Nigeria’s unique flavour, while insisting Eric Chelle could have helped the team qualify if appointed earlier.
The former Elche defender revealed that Nigerian supporters in Dallas had already begun planning for the Super Eagles’ arrival before the team’s qualification hopes ended.
“There is, no doubt, a lack of that flavour the Super Eagles always bring to the World Cup,” he said.
“Those of us Nigerians here in Dallas had planned an elaborate welcome and support base for the Super Eagles during the World Cup but, unfortunately, Nigeria didn’t qualify.”
READMORE: Super Eagles hopeful Tom Dele-Bashiru closes in on Greek switch after Watford agreement
Nigeria missed out on the expanded 48-team tournament after suffering a play-off defeat to DR Congo, extending the country’s wait for a return to football’s biggest competition.
Super Eagles of Nigeria
Despite the disappointment, Iroha believes the Super Eagles have shown significant improvement under head coach Eric Chelle and suggested the outcome might have been different had the Franco-Malian been appointed earlier in the qualification campaign.
“It’s painful, very difficult to take, but that’s football for you,” Iroha said.
“I think we didn’t show enough seriousness from the start of the qualifiers.
“Looking at the performance of the team under Coach Chelle, maybe the team would have been at the World Cup if he had been engaged earlier.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Since taking charge, Chelle has overseen an impressive run with the Super Eagles, helping Nigeria remain unbeaten in competitive matches while guiding the team to a bronze-medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
