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Dutch football coach Simon Kalika has said the absence of the Super Eagles from the 2026 FIFA World Cup would diminish the tournament, likening it to staging the competition without global giants like Brazil or Spain.
Kalika noted that football fans around the world always look forward to seeing Nigerian players at the World Cup because of their flair and talent.
“It would be boring. Nigeria has young, talented players the world is always eager to watch on football’s biggest stage,” he said.
Kalika, who served as assistant coach to Samson Siasia when Nigeria’s Flying Eagles won silver at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, added that Nigerian players consistently bring excitement to the global showpiece.
“These players compete in top European clubs and are always a joy to watch together at the World Cup,” he said.
According to Kalika, Nigeria’s absence affects more than just footballing pride; it also impacts the tournament’s quality and commercial appeal.
“Not being at the World Cup is like hiding their talents from the world. That affects the competition,” he said. “Nigeria is like Brazil and Spain. Not seeing them at the World Cup affects the tournament commercially and makes it less exciting.”
He emphasized that the World Cup feels incomplete without Nigerian stars.
“The World Cup is the pinnacle of football, and Nigeria has the players to compete. They should always be there,” Kalika said.
The Super Eagles have featured at the FIFA World Cup six times — in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018 — but failed to qualify directly for the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation is still exploring a possible route to qualification after petitioning FIFA against DR Congo over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during a playoff match in Morocco, which Nigeria lost on penalties. FIFA is yet to issue a ruling, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
