Nigeria’s World Cup absence a big miss – Terry

Football icon John Terry has voiced his disappointment regarding Nigeria's absence from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the Super Eagles will be significantly missed.

Nigeria's hopes of participating in the global tournament were dashed after a penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the decisive playoff final. This defeat means the Super Eagles will miss a second consecutive World Cup, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

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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. So, yeah, they fall under that category for me.

Despite the Nigeria Football Federation's challenge regarding the eligibility of some DR Congo players, their appeal was ultimately dismissed, ending any chance of a late reprieve.

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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.

Speaking during a virtual session, the former England captain emphasized Nigeria's rich football history and the caliber of its players. "Nigeria will be a big miss," Terry stated. "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."

Terry added that Nigeria's absence means they likely would have advanced further in the competition. "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," he remarked. He also humorously noted that former Nigerian captain Mikel Obi would be upset, as their absence limits his World Cup commentary opportunities.

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I know Mikel Obi is very upset that they’re not there. It means he can’t do more commentating on the World Cup. That’s why he was upset.