Nigeria Ranks Second Among World Cup Absentees

Nigeria's Super Eagles will be a significant miss at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to England legend John Terry. The team is the second-highest-ranked nation globally not to qualify for the tournament, sitting 26th in the latest FIFA rankings. Only Denmark, ranked 21st, is higher among the absentees.

Terry expressed his disappointment during a virtual roundtable, stating that a top team like Nigeria, with its great individuals and status as a great nation, would have been a welcome addition. He believes Nigeria could have advanced further in the competition, acknowledging that their absence benefits other teams.

“

Nigeria will be a big miss. This is a World Cup for participants who haven’t had the opportunity to play in the tournament. I would have loved to see a top team like Nigeria there because they’ve got some great individuals. They’re a great nation.

The Super Eagles' World Cup dream ended after they finished second in Group C of the CAF qualifiers behind South Africa. They secured a playoff semi-final win against Gabon but were ultimately defeated by the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the decisive final match. This marks Nigeria's second consecutive World Cup absence, having also missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The Nigeria Football Federation's challenge against DR Congo for alleged use of ineligible players was dismissed. Despite this setback, Nigeria remains the third-highest-ranked African team, trailing only Morocco (seventh globally) and Senegal. Argentina enters the World Cup as the top-ranked side.

“

I think they are a big miss because Nigeria probably would have gone further in the competition, but unfortunately, one side’s loss is another’s gain.