Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voiced his disappointment over Nigeria’s absence from the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying many Nigerians are unhappy that the Super Eagles failed to secure a place at the tournament.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Gwagwalada-Kuje Road project in Abuja, where former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo was among the guests in attendance.
Addressing Yobo during the event, the minister said it was difficult for football-loving Nigerians to accept that the country would miss another World Cup despite having several talented players competing at the highest levels across the globe.
According to him, watching lesser-known nations participate in the tournament while Nigeria remains absent is frustrating for many supporters.
Wike noted that the Super Eagles boast numerous players featuring in top leagues around the world, making their failure to qualify even more disappointing.
He urged Yobo to relay the feelings of Nigerians to the national team, stressing that fans expected better from a country with Nigeria’s football p
edigree.