2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign Begins Today as Super Eagles Miss Out on Second Consecutive Tournaments
By Jonathan Edeh
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match, while Nigeria watched from the sidelines after failing to qualify for the tournament for the second consecutive edition.
Despite the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams and an increase in Africa's qualification slots, the Super Eagles were unable to secure a place, leaving millions of Nigerian football fans disappointed and businesses preparing for reduced economic activity associated with the competition.
Many supporters at home and abroad expressed frustration over the country's absence from football's biggest stage.
A Nigerian resident in the United Kingdom, Soyemi Tosin, said he had planned to attend the tournament and had been saving money for years to watch the Super Eagles play live.
Similarly, Precious Ogbolu, who lives in Canada, one of the host nations, said he had hoped to watch Nigeria compete in his city but would instead support other African teams.
The country's absence is also expected to affect football content creators and digital influencers who rely on major tournaments for sponsorships and brand partnerships. One content creator said several expected deals failed to materialise after Nigeria missed qualification.
Nigeria's qualification campaign was marked by inconsistent performances and managerial changes involving Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles eventually reached the continental play-offs but were eliminated after a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo and a penalty shootout defeat.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel attributed the failure to administrative shortcomings, calling for reforms and greater accountability within the Nigerian Football Federation.
Former international Sunday Oliseh also warned that another failed qualification campaign could have serious consequences for Nigerian football, including reduced sponsorship opportunities and diminished international visibility.
The team's absence has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many supporters blaming poor planning and internal politics rather than a lack of talent.
Fans also pointed to the quality of Nigeria's squad, featuring players competing in top European leagues, and questioned how the country failed to qualify from a group widely regarded as favourable.
Business owners across Nigeria expect lower patronage during the tournament. Ibadan-based hotel owner and viewing centre operator Tipe Fasuyi said Nigeria's participation traditionally attracts large crowds that boost sales for hospitality businesses and vendors.
He recalled that viewing centres were filled beyond capacity during the 2018 World Cup but experienced a significant decline in attendance when Nigeria missed the 2022 tournament.
Despite the disappointment, some supporters remain optimistic about the future.
Nigeria's third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Eric Chelle has provided hope that the team can rebuild ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As the tournament begins across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many Nigerian fans say the World Cup feels incomplete without the Super Eagles competing on football's biggest stage.
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