Nigeria’s Wealth of Talent Makes World Cup Miss More Painful - Dutch Tactician

Nigeria’s Wealth of Talent Makes World Cup Miss More Painful - Dutch Tactician 

By Niyi Busari 

Dutch football coach Simon Kalika has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Super Eagles’ absence as a significant loss to the global showpiece, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be staged without one of Africa’s most recognisable football nations for the second consecutive World Cup. Kalika believes Nigeria’s non-participation will diminish the overall appeal of the competition.

According to the Dutch coach, the disappointment is compounded by the quality and depth of talent currently available in the Nigerian squad. He noted that the Super Eagles possess some of the finest attacking players on the African continent, many of whom would have enhanced the spectacle of the World Cup.

Kalika singled out Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen—Africa’s Footballers of the Year in 2024 and 2023 respectively—as standout performers who would have brought flair and excitement to the tournament.

He also praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, describing him as one of Africa’s top shot-stoppers, while highlighting the performances of defenders and midfielders such as Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Kalika further observed that, aside from Iwobi and Ndidi, several of these players have yet to appear at a World Cup and have now missed out on two consecutive editions. He described this as a major setback both for the individuals involved and for Nigerian football as a whole.

He concluded that the Super Eagles’ absence would be keenly felt by fans around the world, noting Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for entertaining football and memorable moments on the international stage.