Super Eagles’ World Cup miss is a major blow to football – Dutch coach

Dutch coach Simon Kalika has expressed deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it a major loss for football’s biggest stage.

Kalika lamented that the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marks the second consecutive World Cup without one of Africa’s most celebrated football nations.

“What makes this setback even more painful,” Kalika said, “is the incredible talent in the current squad. Nigeria boasts some of Africa’s finest attacking players who could have lit up the global stage.”

He highlighted Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, winners of the African Footballer of the Year awards in 2024 and 2023 respectively, as well as Stanley Nwabali, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.

Kalika also praised the performances of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi, who made significant impressions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He noted, however, that apart from Iwobi and Ndidi, many of these stars have never played at a World Cup and will now miss out for the second time in a row.

“This is not just a blow to Nigerian football,” Kalika added, “but a loss to the tournament and the fans who would have witnessed the brilliance of these players on the world stage.”