Former Nigerian international Moses Kpakor has shared his deep frustration following the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The legendary footballer described the situation as a major blow to the country’s prestige, noting that missing out on the global showpiece for the second consecutive time is a bitter pill for fans to swallow.
Nigeria’s road to the tournament ended in heartbreak on November 16, 2025, during a high-stakes African playoff in Rabat, Morocco. After a tense 1-1 draw against DR Congo, the Super Eagles were ultimately edged out on penalties. It was noted that subsequent attempts by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to challenge the eligibility of certain DR Congo players were dismissed by FIFA due to procedural errors, effectively sealing Nigeria’s absence from the world stage.
Reflecting on the fallout, Kpakor admitted that while the technicalities and protests are part of the modern game, the primary failure happened where it matters most—on the grass. He expressed a sentiment shared by millions of Nigerians, stating that for a nation with such a rich footballing history, failing to qualify is simply not good enough. He pointed out that the current state of the national team should be a cause for concern for everyone involved in the sport.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the NFF’s legal battle with FIFA, Kpakor offered a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged that many fans are frustrated with the federation’s focus on the protest, but he reminded critics that football is played both on and off the pitch. He argued that if there were genuine grounds to challenge a breach of rules by an opponent, the authorities were right to explore those loopholes.
However, the former international was quick to bring the conversation back to the team’s performance. He noted that while the “politics” of the game exist, relying on them is a precarious position to be in. In his view, the entire saga and the subsequent disappointment could have been avoided entirely if the team had taken care of business during the ninety minutes of play.
As the dust settles on this unsuccessful campaign, Kpakor’s comments serve as a call for reflection within the Nigerian football circle. He urged for a clear separation between administrative efforts and on-field execution, emphasizing that until the Super Eagles can consistently deliver results during match days, the country will continue to find itself at the mercy of boardroom decisions and procedural technicalities.
