Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has publicly apologised to Nigerians following the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the outcome as deeply painful for both players and fans.
The Galatasaray forward admitted that the disappointment felt across the country was justified, stressing that the players are fully aware of how much World Cup qualification means to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Osimhen spoke ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group clash against Tanzania in Fès, Morocco, on Tuesday, where the Super Eagles are hoping to begin a redemption journey on the continental stage.
“The expectations are very high. This AFCON is an opportunity for us to try and right the wrongs,” Osimhen told Pooja Media, underlining the squad’s determination to restore belief among supporters.
He said the team owes Nigerians sincerity and improved performances, adding that the players want fans to see that the Super Eagles still have more to offer beyond the World Cup setback.
“We have to use this opportunity to say we are so sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket. We know the disappointment in the faces of Nigerian fans,” the Napoli-born striker said, speaking with visible emotion.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify was confirmed a few weeks ago after a defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of appearing at football’s biggest global tournament in 2026.
