The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Wike spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, where former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, was among dignitaries in attendance.
The minister urged Yobo to convey Nigerians’ frustration to the players, saying many citizens remained unhappy that the country missed out on the ongoing tournament.
“But before I leave, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles we are not happy,” Wike said.
“So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you.”
The minister said it was painful watching other countries compete at the World Cup while Nigeria was absent despite the country’s pool of talented players.
“I watch the World Cup and countries I’ve never heard before qualifying to play the World Cup,” he said.
“And I’m sitting down for hours watching countries that are not known. Nigeria, in this context, has not less than 13 Nigerians playing all over the world in the ongoing World Cup. But here, we did not qualify.”
Addressing Yobo directly, Wike added, “Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after falling short in the CAF qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles were later eliminated in the qualifying playoffs after losing to Congo on penalties.
