Super Eagles players are not to blame for the failure of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – Ighalo

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has expressed his disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to Brila.net, Ighalo cited poor preparation as the main reason behind the team’s failure.

Ighalo, who played for Nigeria in the 2018 tournament, insists the Super Eagles were sabotaged and the outcome was inevitable.

“The World Cup is the most important tournament in the world. It is world football, not club football,” said the former striker.

“We need to do our homework early and prepare well. If we do our homework and win our games, we won’t need anyone to help us.

“Young people want to play. When you see the teams at the World Cup, you will cry for Nigeria.

“We are one of the best teams in Africa, and if you see some of the teams that come from South America, you know they will just make up the numbers.”

Ighalo thinking about the future

With all hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup practically lost, Odion Ighalo has urged the NFF to begin preparations for the next edition in earnest.

Also read: Super Eagles camp comes alive in Antalya ahead of international friendlies

Saudi Arabia will host the rest of the world when the tournament returns to the Arabian Peninsula in four years.

“Let’s give the boys their well-being for the 2030 World Cup. We are supposed to start preparing now, but I hope we don’t miss it,” Ighalo concluded.

Ighalo represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and played a crucial role in helping Nigeria qualify by participating in seven matches.