It is no longer news that Nigeria did not take part in the just-concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup. As champions Spain lead the way to the next edition, which they will co-host with Portugal and Morocco in 2030, the big question is whether the Super Eagles can end their unwanted streak of World Cup absenteeism. ABIODUN ADEWALE writes
“Congratulations to Spain on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. See you in 2030.”
That was the message posted on the official X account of the Super Eagles after Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
It could be dismissed as a routine social media post by an enthusiastic handler, but it also reflected the hopes of millions of Nigerian football fans and the weight of expectation the team will carry over the next four years.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 tournament was particularly painful given the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, with Africa allocated 10 places. Many Nigerians could only imagine how the three-time African champions might have fared on football’s biggest stage.
