There is a heavy mood across Nigeria’s football scene as the country comes to terms with missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has openly shared his disappointment, describing the situation as painful and difficult to accept.
Speaking during an interview on Brila FM on March 25, 2026, the 36 year old did not hide his emotions, especially when talking about the current generation of players who are at the peak of their careers.
“I Feel Like Crying”
Ighalo, who played at the 2018 World Cup, said it hurts deeply to see Nigeria absent from such a major tournament.
“Personally, I feel sad because I wanted to watch the Eagles play,” Ighalo admitted. “If you check the countries that are going, if we are not the best, we are one of the best teams in Africa. I feel like crying.”
He expressed particular concern for top players who have made a name for themselves in Europe but will not get the chance to showcase their talent on football’s biggest stage.
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Names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey were highlighted as key players who will miss out despite being in top form.
How Nigeria Fell Short
Nigeria’s failure to qualify is even more surprising considering the expanded format of the tournament, which gave Africa more slots.
The Super Eagles finished second in their group with 17 points, just behind South Africa. Although they ended strongly with a big win against Benin, too many drawn matches earlier in the campaign cost them a direct qualification spot.
They were then pushed into the play offs, where they faced DR Congo. A narrow loss over two legs, including a controversial goal that was later disputed, ended their chances.
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Concerns Over Planning
Ighalo believes the problem goes beyond what happened on the pitch. He pointed to deeper issues in how Nigerian football is managed.
According to him, poor planning and last minute decisions have continued to affect the team. He also mentioned that player welfare and off field challenges can make it harder for the team to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead
With the World Cup no longer an option, attention now turns to the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
Under coach Éric Chelle, the team has already begun rebuilding through friendly matches as they try to regroup and prepare for the future.
For many fans across the country, especially in places like Lagos and Ikorodu, it is still a tough reality to accept. Seeing some of Nigeria’s best players miss out on the World Cup remains a painful moment for both supporters and former stars alike.
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