World Cup 2026: Your Sins Forgiven — Wike Tells Super Eagles

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Super Eagles have been forgiven for failing to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup after receiving assurances that the team is determined to secure a place at the next edition.

Wike made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of Collector Roads 01 and 02, linking the Mabushi Bus Terminal to Ahmadu Bello Way in the Mabushi District of the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister said former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo personally informed him that the national team had accepted responsibility for the disappointment of missing the previous World Cup and had pledged not to repeat the mistake.

Addressing guests at the event, Wike acknowledged the presence of Nigerian football legends Joseph Yobo and Emmanuel Babayaro, commending them for their contributions to the country’s football history.

“Let me particularly greet our friends who in their own days made Nigeria proud, Joseph Yobo and Emmanuel Babayaro,” Wike said.

He revealed that Yobo had recently conveyed a message from the current Super Eagles squad regarding their commitment to qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup.

“I want to announce to this audience that Yobo told me yesterday that he has communicated our message to the Super Eagles and they have told him that this would be the last time such a mistake would occur,” the minister stated.

According to Wike, the players assured Yobo that they were fully committed to returning Nigeria to the global football showpiece.

“That the subsequent World Cup, Nigeria would be there, so their sins have been forgiven,” he added.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup after an unsuccessful qualifying campaign, a result that disappointed millions of football supporters across the country.

The Super Eagles have since begun rebuilding under a new technical setup as preparations continue for future international competitions, including the qualification series for the next World Cup.

Wike’s remarks drew laughter and applause from the audience, reflecting the optimism surrounding the team’s renewed determination to restore Nigeria’s place among the world’s leading football nations.

The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful national teams, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and represented the continent at several FIFA World Cup tournaments over the years.