Osimhen’s Absence Diminishes World Cup Spectacle, Benitez Claims

Osimhen’s Absence Diminishes World Cup Spectacle, Benitez Claims

By BSN Sports 

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has expressed disappointment over Victor Osimhen's absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Nigerian striker as one of the standout attacking talents the tournament will miss, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osimhen will not feature at the global showpiece after Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Super Eagles' hopes of reaching the World Cup ended following a disappointing qualifying campaign that fell short in the decisive stages.

The Nigerian forward, who currently plays for Galatasaray, is regarded as one of Africa's premier strikers and remains one of the continent's most influential attacking players. Despite his achievements at club level, Osimhen has yet to make an appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having also missed out when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Speaking to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez identified Osimhen among a number of high-profile players whose absence would reduce the overall quality and appeal of the tournament.

"Too easy: Kvaratskhelia, first and foremost," Benitez said.

"And then Osimhen too, and not just because Napoli holds a special place in my heart. But I must also add Zieliński and Lewandowski, one of the greatest ever."

Benitez's comments underline the high regard in which Osimhen is held across European football. Since emerging as one of the game's leading forwards, the Nigerian international has built a reputation for his pace, physical presence and goalscoring ability, attracting interest from several elite clubs.

The veteran Spanish coach also shared his assessment of the teams most likely to challenge for the World Cup title. He identified France and Spain among the leading contenders, citing the depth and quality available to both nations.

Benitez praised France's wealth of attacking talent and highlighted Spain's exciting new generation, led by young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. He also included England and Germany among the strongest candidates to compete for football's biggest prize.

As the tournament gathers momentum, Benitez believes the absence of players such as Osimhen serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of World Cup qualification, where even some of the world's finest talents can be left watching from afar.

For Nigerian fans, the disappointment remains significant, particularly given Osimhen's status as one of the country's most important footballers and a symbol of the current generation of Super Eagles stars.