Former Nigerian international defender Ifeanyi Udeze has opened up about the devastating emotional toll of missing the 2006 FIFA World Cup, revealing he broke down in tears following Nigeria's failed qualification campaign.
The Painful Memory of 2006 Qualification Failure
Udeze recounted how Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Angola in Kano during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers marked both the end of his international career and the beginning of persistent injury problems. The match played in 2005 saw Austin Jay Jay Okocha give Nigeria an early lead in the 5th minute, only for Figueiredo to equalize for Angola in the 60th minute, crushing Nigerian hopes.
"My last game for the Super Eagles was against Angola in a 2006 World Cup qualifier, played in 2005 in Kano," Udeze emotionally recalled. "That was where I first got my injury. I felt bad—we didn't qualify for Germany 2006. It was painful and crazy, but that's football. I cried and got really angry because that was the beginning of my injury troubles. It was sad."
Current Super Eagles Repeat History
The former PAOK and West Brom defender's painful memories resurface as Nigeria recently failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their second consecutive Mundial absence and tenth overall since gaining independence in 1960.
Under coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles had shown promising form in the qualifiers, recording four wins and two draws to finish second in CAF qualification Group C with 17 points, just one point behind group winners South Africa.
Nigeria's journey to potential redemption saw them advance to the World Cup playoffs after a 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in their final group match. They subsequently defeated Gabon 4-1 in the playoff semifinals, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice in extra time, before ultimately falling to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties in the final played in Rabat, Morocco on November 16.
Football Federation Responds to Failure
The Nigeria Football Federation has issued an official apology following the team's failure to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. NFF leadership sent a personal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging the nation's disappointment.
This response echoes historical patterns, as former NFF President Ibrahim Galadinma was sacked in 2006 following Nigeria's previous World Cup qualification failure, with 68 members voting against him during an extraordinary congress.
Galadinma had previously stated that attending the World Cup is not Nigeria's birthright, a sentiment that now carries renewed weight as the country faces another four-year wait for potential World Cup participation.
The emotional weight of missing international football's biggest tournament continues to haunt Nigerian players past and present, with Udeze's heartfelt confession highlighting the deep personal impact of national team failures that extend far beyond the pitch.
