Dutch coach Simon Kalika has expressed strong disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the tournament will miss the excitement the Super Eagles usually bring.
Kalika believes the absence of Nigeria, one of Africa’s most recognised football nations, will significantly reduce the spectacle of the global showpiece. The World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will take place without the Super Eagles for the second straight time.
According to the Dutch tactician, the situation is particularly frustrating given the quality available in Nigeria’s current squad. He noted that the team boasts some of the continent’s most dangerous attacking players, footballers capable of thrilling fans on the world stage.
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen were crowned African Footballers of the Year in 2024 and 2023 respectively, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has earned recognition as one of Africa’s standout performers in his position. Defenders and midfielders such as Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi also impressed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Kalika pointed out that, aside from Iwobi and Ndidi, several of these stars are yet to feature at a World Cup and have now missed the tournament twice in succession, a setback he described as a huge loss both for the players and for football fans worldwide.
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