It Hurts Not Going To 2026 World Cup, Focus Now On AFCON – Onyeka

It Hurts Not Going To 2026 World Cup, Focus Now On AFCON – Onyeka

Sampson Adedeji

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has expressed deep disappointment following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but insists the team will now shift full focus to the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria missed out on the World Cup ticket after losing to DR Congo 4–3 on penalties in the playoff encounter, leaving fans heartbroken across the country.

Speaking to journalist Osasuo Obayiuwana at the Rabat Airport, the Brentford star admitted that both players and Nigerians are hurting from the painful exit.

“We, the players, are hurting, just as much as Nigerians are hurting. Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us. It is very tough not to go to the next World Cup. Some of us may not be around in five years, in 2030. It’s painful.”

Despite the setback, Onyeka stressed the need to regroup quickly and turn attention to the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in just over a month.

 “But we have an AFCON to play in 34 days and we need to get ready for that and do better than we did last time.”

Nigeria finished as runners-up at the last AFCON, losing to Ivory Coast in the final.

The Super Eagles will hope to redeem themselves and lift the trophy in Morocco.