Terem Moffi has made a painful admission about the reality of the Super Eagles of Nigeria missing out on two consecutive FIFA World Cups. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 edition after losing the playoff to rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, on away goals following a 1-1 draw in Abuja.
Super Eagles Miss Out on 2026 World Cup
Africa's slot in 2026 was increased to 10, yet again the Super Eagles failed to qualify after losing the final of the African playoff to DR Congo. Nigeria struggled in the group stage with a poor start, picking up only three points in the opening four matches against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, South Africa, and Benin.
Eric Chelle's appointment rejuvenated the team's chances as the Franco-Malian manager opened with a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, but a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe proved to be a setback. FIFA docked South Africa three points for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena, boosting Nigeria's chances of securing automatic qualification. However, it got complicated on the final day when Nigeria needed Rwanda to get a result against South Africa, but the Amavubi did not, and the Super Eagles settled for the playoff spot after beating Benin 4-0. Nigeria beat Gabon in the first match of the playoffs but lost to DR Congo, who went on to beat Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff.
Terem Moffi's Painful Admission
FC Porto striker Terem Moffi has shared his thoughts about Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, having also missed the 2022 edition. Moffi admits that not every player gets the chance to play at the World Cup, and painfully for some members of the current group, they will not be part of it even if Nigeria qualifies in 2030.
"I'm 27 now, in the next World Cup I'll be 31, and most of the squad will be in their 30s as well. It's almost impossible for us to be there if we're being totally honest," he told AY Suga. "Young players will come in. The oldest in the squad right now is Semi [32], so, going by that, it'll be quite difficult. For some of us, we might have to watch from home."
"How do we tell our children that we had two chances to be at the World Cup and we didn't take them? It's horrible to think about," he concluded. As noted by ESPN, captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem, Francis Uzoho, and Kelechi Iheanacho are those in the current group who featured in 2018.
NFF Appeals FIFA Verdict
Legit.ng previously reported that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appealed FIFA's verdict after the world football governing body dismissed their petition against DR Congo. The NFF have not given up on their eligibility case against DR Congo and have taken it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but a judgement is not expected until after the tournament.
