Nigerians count losses as World Cup begins without Eagles

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, millions of Nigerians are grappling with a familiar sense of disappointment. The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national football team, have failed to qualify for the tournament for the second consecutive time, leaving fans at home and abroad heartbroken.

This year's World Cup, expanding to 48 teams and offering Africa a record number of qualification spots, had fueled expectations that Nigeria would be among the participating nations. However, the team's absence means supporters will once again watch from the sidelines as other countries compete for football's ultimate prize.

For many Nigerians, the missed opportunity extends beyond the sport itself. Soyemi Tosin, a Nigerian living in the UK, had saved money with the specific goal of watching the Super Eagles play in person at this World Cup. Having missed the 2018 tournament while in Lagos, he had planned to finally experience the World Cup atmosphere firsthand. "I told myself that next time I would be in the stadium. I started saving. I even looked up venues and ticket prices. Now I will have to wait for the next time," he lamented.

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The last World Cup Nigeria played, I was in Lagos watching on television. I told myself that next time I would be in the stadium. I started saving. I even looked up venues and ticket prices. Now I will have to wait for the next time.

Precious Ogbolu, a Nigerian residing in Canada, one of the host nations, felt the disappointment keenly. He had envisioned the possibility of watching the Super Eagles play competitive football in his adopted city. "Canada is a host country. Imagine watching the Super Eagles play here, in my city," he expressed. "I was already thinking about which games they could play in Toronto. Now I am just watching other African teams and seeing their fans live the dream."

The collective disappointment underscores a broader sense of frustration over the team's performance and the perceived squandered potential, especially in light of the expanded tournament format. For countless fans, the World Cup represents more than just a sporting event; it is a chance to connect, celebrate national pride, and create lasting memories.

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Canada is a host country. Imagine watching the Super Eagles play here, in my city. I was already thinking about which games they could play in Toronto. Now I am just watching other African teams and seeing their fans live the dream.