"Why Nigeria Should Not Be At 2026 FIFA World Cup" - Ex-Super Eagles Star

"Why Nigeria Should Not Be At 2026 FIFA World Cup" - Ex-Super Eagles Star 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has made the startling admission that he does not want Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that failure to reach the tournament could force a long-overdue reckoning within the country’s football structure, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking to Brila.net, Sodje said Nigeria should prioritise rebuilding and reform over short-term success, even as the nation awaits a decisive ruling from FIFA on its eligibility protest.

“I think we should move forward,” Sodje said. “If FIFA’s decision works in our favour, so be it. But to tell you the truth, I don’t want us to qualify.

“I don’t want it because we need to see how bad our football has become. I am not looking forward to it.

“But because I am Nigerian, I want to see FIFA’s decision go our way. Personally, though, I am hoping we don’t go.”

Nigeria is currently awaiting FIFA’s verdict regarding its protest over alleged player eligibility issues involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the qualification series.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has maintained confidence in the strength of its case, while Congolese football authorities insist no rules were breached.

The outcome of FIFA’s decision, expected before the end of the week, could determine whether Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup ambitions remain alive or are definitively ended.

For Sodje, however, the broader concern lies beyond qualification — and centres instead on the urgent need for structural reform in Nigerian football.