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Nigeria’s Absence from 2026 World Cup a Major Loss – Simon Kalika

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3 hours ago

5:40 am

Nigeria’s Absence from 2026 World Cup a Major Loss – Simon Kalika

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 global football.

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

According to the Dutch tactician, the disappointment is made worse by the quality and depth of talent currently available in the Nigerian squad. He noted that the Super Eagles boast some of the finest attacking players on the African continent—players who would have added flair and excitement to the global showpiece.

Kalika singled out Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen—Africa’s Footballers of the Year in 2024 and 2023 respectively—as standout stars who would have thrilled fans at the World Cup.

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

The coach further observed that, aside from Iwobi and Ndidi, several of these players have never featured at a World Cup, and have now missed out on two consecutive editions—a situation he described as a major setback for both the players and Nigerian football.

Kalika concluded that the Super Eagles’ absence would be keenly felt by fans worldwide, citing Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for entertaining football and producing memorable moments on the international stage.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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