World Cup 2026: Why Nigeria failed to qualify – Ex-Super Eagles defender Efe Sodje

Former Super Eagles defender, Efe Sodje, has suggested why Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Nigeria will not take part in the World Cup starting in the next few days after falling short in the CAF qualification campaign.

The Super Eagles were defeated in a penalty shootout against the Democratic Republic of Congo, who eventually secured the World Cup ticket.

However, Sodje apportioned blame to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, insisting that those managing the sport failed in terms of structure and decision-making.

“Very disappointing. With the quality of players we have, we should be there,” Sodje said, via Brila Media.

“But it’s not just the players. We have to also look at the people upstairs because decisions and structure play a big role in why we didn’t qualify.”

Nigeria will now focus on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifiers later this year.