Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voiced his disappointment over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging former team captain Joseph Yobo to relay Nigerians’ frustrations to the national team.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, where Yobo was among the distinguished guests in attendance.
Congratulating the former defender on his achievements, the FCT minister used the opportunity to express the feelings of many Nigerians regarding the national team’s absence from the global football showpiece.
“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.
He added that while some people may continue to applaud the team, many Nigerians remain disappointed by the outcome of the qualification campaign.
According to Wike, it is painful to watch countries with less football pedigree compete at the World Cup while Nigeria, despite having numerous talented players scattered across top leagues around the world, failed to secure a place at the tournament.
“I watch the World Cup and see countries I have never heard of qualifying to play. Yet Nigeria, with so many talented players featuring around the world, did not qualify,” he stated.
The minister stressed that the country’s football potential should be reflected on the international stage and called on the players and football authorities to do better in future competitions.
Addressing Yobo directly, Wike said: “Go and tell them we are not happy.”
Nigeria missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an underwhelming CAF qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the tournament were eventually dashed when they lost to Congo in a penalty shootout during the qualifying playoffs.
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