Nigerian super Eagles Victor Osimhen..
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has opened up on the lingering pain of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that the national team owes Nigerians an apology — and sees the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the perfect stage to make amends.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday with Pooja, the Napoli striker said the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup ticket is still deeply felt within the team, just as it is among fans at home and in the diaspora.
“We want to use this opportunity to say we are sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket,” Osimhen said.
“We know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerian fans. Life has happened, so we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well.”
Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup sent shockwaves through the football-loving nation, triggering intense scrutiny of both the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). For a country long regarded as one of Africa’s football powerhouses, the setback was a bitter pill to swallow.
Osimhen, however, revealed that the mood in the camp is one of responsibility rather than despair. He said the players are fully aware of expectations but are choosing to channel that pressure into motivation.
“The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world,” he noted.
“But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the kind of quality he possesses.”
The 25-year-old striker stressed that apologies must go beyond words, insisting that the team’s response must be shown on the pitch through grit, unity and results.
“It’s not going to be easy. We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it.”
As Nigeria prepares for AFCON, Osimhen’s words echo the collective resolve of a team determined to restore pride, reconnect with the fans, and remind Africa — and the world — of the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit.
