“It’s bad…” — Victor Osimhen breaks silence on missing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has addressed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing disappointment over the Super Eagles’ missed opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
The tournament, which is the first to feature an expanded 48-team format, began last week with nations from all continents competing.
Africa was allocated nine automatic qualification slots as well as an additional playoff place, but Nigeria failed to secure any of them.
The Super Eagles’ campaign ended in disappointment after finishing second in their qualifying group before being knocked out by Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the playoff round.
The result confirms Nigeria’s absence from a second straight World Cup, prolonging a worrying spell for one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses.
Osimhen, speaking during a social media livestream, admitted the setback has been difficult for the squad.
“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys,” he said. “We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving.”
Nigeria last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, meaning several current Super Eagles players, including Osimhen, are yet to make their debut on the global stage.
Watch the video here…
“How do you feel about not going to the World Cup?”
Victor Osimhen: pic.twitter.com/TaIH7nOwgb
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) June 16, 2026