Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging former team captain Joseph Yobo to convey Nigerians’ frustration to the players.
Wike spoke on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, where Yobo was among dignitaries in attendance.
The minister said many Nigerians remained unhappy that the country missed out on the ongoing expanded 48-team World Cup, while countries with less football pedigree secured qualification.
“But before I leave, 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.
“So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you,” Wike said.
Wike said he found it painful watching the World Cup without Nigeria’s participation despite the abundance of Nigerian players competing in top leagues around the world.
“I watch the World Cup and countries I’ve never heard before qualifying to play the World Cup.
“And I’m sitting down for hours watching countries that are not known. Nigeria, in this context, has not less than 13 Nigerians playing all over the world (in the ongoing World Cup). But here, we did not qualify.”
Addressing Yobo directly, Wike added, “Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short in the CAF qualification campaign despite the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
The Super Eagles were later eliminated in the qualifying playoffs after losing to Congo on penalties.
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