‘We are not happy’: Wike hits Super Eagles over 2026 World Cup absence

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Super Eagles over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying many Nigerians remain deeply disappointed by the country’s absence from football’s biggest stage.

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Mr Wike spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway Phase I in Abuja, where former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo was among the dignitaries present.

Using the occasion to send a message to the national team, the minister said Nigerians deserved better.

“Yes, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles we are not happy,” Mr Wike said.

“So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you, the moment they say Super Eagles, I say I won’t clap. I won’t clap because I watch the World Cup, I see countries I’ve never heard of before qualifying to play in the World Cup, and I’m sitting down hours watching countries that I’ve not known.”

The former Rivers governor said it was difficult to understand how Nigeria, blessed with numerous players competing in Europe and other top leagues, failed to reach the expanded 48-team tournament.

“Nigerians in that context, in this context, not less than 13 Nigerians are playing all over the world. But here, we do not qualify. Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy,” he added.

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Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a disappointing qualifying campaign, extending the country’s absence from the tournament following its 2022 Qatar edition.

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The Super Eagles are the second-highest-ranked country in the FIFA rankings released in June, missing the 2026 World Cup, behind only Denmark, making their absence one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.

Africa has a record 10 teams participating at the ongoing World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with four countries making their tournament debuts. Several African sides have impressed, with nations such as Ghana, Morocco, DR Congo and Cape Verde producing strong performances against more established football powers.

Nigeria’s absence has become even more noticeable as countries with smaller football histories have seized the opportunity offered by the expanded tournament. The 2026 World Cup has featured debutants and nations making their global debuts, while the three-time African champions remain spectators.

Mr Wike’s remarks reflect growing frustration among many football supporters who believe Nigeria, blessed with abundant talent and resources, should have been among Africa’s representatives at the Mundial.