Dutch coach Simon Kalika has expressed profound disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a major loss for both the Super Eagles and the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will proceed without one of Africa’s most renowned football nations for the second consecutive edition. For Kalika, this absence is particularly disheartening given the high calibre of talent in Nigeria’s current squad.
“Nigeria has some of Africa’s finest attacking players who could have lit up the global stage,” Kalika said. He pointed to stars like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, winners of the African Footballer of the Year awards in 2024 and 2023 respectively, as well as Stanley Nwabali, regarded as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
Kalika also highlighted the contributions of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi, who impressed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Despite their achievements, many of these players, including Iwobi and Ndidi, have now missed the chance to showcase their talents at a World Cup for the second consecutive time.
The Dutch coach lamented that the missed opportunities could have deprived fans of witnessing Nigeria’s attacking flair on football’s grandest stage. He stressed that the Super Eagles’ absence diminishes the representation of African football, which is always celebrated for its skill, speed, and excitement.
Kalika’s comments serve as a reminder of the growing expectations on Nigeria’s football teams, as fans and analysts alike reflect on what could have been a memorable campaign for some of Africa’s most talented players.
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