Wike to Yobo: Tell Super Eagles Nigerians Are Unhappy Over World Cup Absence

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the development as a major setback for football-loving Nigerians.

Wike made the remarks while addressing former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo in Abuja, urging him to convey the feelings of Nigerians to members of the national team and their technical crew.

According to the minister, football remains one of the strongest unifying forces in the country, and the absence of the Super Eagles from the world’s biggest football tournament has left many citizens unhappy.

He noted that Nigerians have always taken pride in supporting the national team at major international competitions and expected better performances that would secure qualification for the World Cup.

Wike said the failure to qualify was particularly disappointing because millions of Nigerians had hoped to see the country represented on the global stage.

Addressing Yobo directly, the minister urged the former defender to ensure that the concerns and frustrations of supporters were communicated to the players and coaching staff.

He stressed that the national team must understand the emotional impact of missing consecutive World Cup tournaments on fans across the country.

Despite his disappointment, Wike expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to recover from the setback and return stronger in future competitions.

He called on the team to learn from past mistakes and work towards restoring Nigeria’s position among the leading football nations in the world.

Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the country’s absence from football’s biggest tournament after also missing the 2022 edition held in Qatar.

The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify has generated widespread reactions from football stakeholders and supporters, many of whom have called for reforms aimed at improving the performance and competitiveness of the national team.

Wike maintained that with proper planning, commitment and determination, the Super Eagles could once again become a force in international football and reclaim their place on the World Cup stage.