Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The minister urged former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo to pass Nigerians’ concerns to the national team players.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road project in Abuja, where Yobo was among guests at the event.
Minister sends message to Super Eagles
While addressing the gathering, Wike said many Nigerians were unhappy that the country was missing from football’s biggest tournament despite the expansion of the competition to include 48 teams.
He said it was painful watching other nations compete at the World Cup while Nigeria failed to secure a place.
“Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy,” Wike said, according to his remarks.
Nigeria misses out despite global stars
Wike questioned how Nigeria, with many players featuring in top leagues around the world, could not qualify for the tournament.
He noted that several countries with less recognised football history were able to secure World Cup spots.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify after an unsuccessful CAF qualification campaign and were later eliminated in the playoff stage following a penalty shootout defeat to Congo.
Nigeria’s absence has continued to generate reactions from football fans and stakeholders across the country.