Eniola Aluko Says Strike Action Not to Blame for Nigeria’s World Cup Failure

Lagos-born former England international Eniola Aluko has rejected claims that the Super Eagles’ strike action was the primary reason Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Just two days before their crucial African playoff semi-final against Gabon national football team, the entire Nigeria national football team squad and officials boycotted training in Morocco over unresolved bonus and payment disputes.

The disagreement was eventually settled with the Nigeria Football Federation before Nigeria took to the pitch against the Panthers, with the Super Eagles progressing after extra time.

However, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Mundial came to an end after a painful penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team in the African playoff final.

Aluko, who earned more than 100 caps for the England women’s national football team during her playing career, insisted Nigeria simply failed to perform against the Leopards when it mattered most.

“We are not going to the FIFA World Cup because we lost to DR Congo. They were not good enough on the day,” Aluko said on ThePlayzone podcast.

The former Chelsea F.C. Women forward admitted the timing of the strike was far from ideal, but stressed it should not be used as the main explanation for the defeat.

“I agree we should have won, but going on strike is not the reason we lost the game.

“But I think the timing was wrong. I agree if they agree to do that, they are not focusing one hundred percent on what they need to do.”

Aluko also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to improve its handling of payments and player welfare in order to avoid similar controversies in the future.

“My point is eliminate the chance for any player to do that, and when I say that, I’m talking about the Federation and management.

“That’s an easy thing. Just pay people on time so they don’t have an excuse to say when they lose.”

Eniola’s brother, Sone Aluko, represented England at youth level before switching international allegiance to Nigeria during his professional career.

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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