Journalist List Damages Missing the FIFA World Cup Could Do to Osimhen and Lookman
- Nigeria is set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico
- The Super Eagles secured their second win in the qualifying series against Rwanda, with their chance hanging in the balance following a draw against South Africa
- A football journalist has listed the danger posed to Super Eagles players, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman
Nigeria is on the verge of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening, September 9.
The Super Eagles have recorded two wins, five draws, and a loss (against Benin Republic) in eight matches.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria has been handled by three separate coaches: Jose Pesiero (Portuguese), Super Eagles legend Finidi George, and Eric Chelle.
South Africa tops the 2026 CAF Qualification Group C with 17 points, followed by Benin Republic (led by former Super Eagles coach Genort Rohr) with 14 points and Nigeria in third place with 11 points, TnTSports.
The three-time AFCON winners are currently out of contention for the second round of the qualifiers due to insufficient points, per BBC.
'Osimhen, Lookman missing the World Cup is sad'
Nigeria Sports journalist Chibuike Chukwu said it would be a disaster if the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and the reigning CAF POTY Ademola Lookman, miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Chukwu said Nigerians should hold the NFF responsible for the situation the country has found itself.
Chukwu wondered if the players would still be at their peak by the time the next World Cup (2030), should they miss out on the upcoming tournament. He said:
"So sad that the reigning African Footballer of the Year and his predecessor may end their careers without attending FIFA World Cup.
"Hopefully they would still be in form in the next four years because this year (ahead of next year's world cup) is gone. NFF should shoulder the blame for so many reasons."
Source: Getty Images
Nigerians react
Nigerians have shared their pains over the Super Eagles' struggles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A X user wrote that most of the players are in their prime, and not playing at the Mundial is not a good omen.
@Churchillokafor wrote:
"I'm not even pained about Nigeria not going to the World Cup.
"I am more pained about Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Chukwueze not playing the World Cup in their prime.
"This is so painful because they will all be 30+ by 2030 and may not play again😥."
@princemerlin123 said:
"By the time we get to the 2030 FIFA World Cup…
Victor Osimhen will be 31 years old, Ademola Lookman will be 32 years old, Ola Aina will be 33 years old, and Calvin Bassey will be 30 years old."
Mikel Obi calls for sack of NFF board
Legit.ng earlier reported that 2013 AFCON winner John Mikel Obi has called for the sack of the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if the country fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The UEFA Champions League winner believes the NFF, led by Ibrahim Gusau, should take a bow and do the honourable thing.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
