Nigeria’s absence from Qatar 2022 a disaster – John Fashanu

By Olu Dare

Former England striker John Fashanu believes the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar will be boring without the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles will miss the global competition in the Gulf nation after losing to rivals Ghana in a two-legged African qualifying third round fixture.

Fashanu, who is of Nigeria descent, believes the West African nation’s absence will affect not only the Super Eagles fans but Africa at large.

“I think this it is a disaster that Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and I also believe it is not just a disaster for the country but also for Africa majorly for the three-time African champions,” he told Punch.

“With the Super Eagles you always have confidence heading into a game and I remember back then fans will smile before a game because they knew they (Eagles) were going to win by 3-0, but now things have changed.

“Now you are looking at the tournament in Qatar and you see some smaller countries which you have never seen before and you can’t find Nigeria.

“It becomes heartbreaking and sad. Obviously, the players are currently feeling very bad and morale is low, the same way every true Nigerian is feeling right now. It is very bad not qualifying for the biggest tournament in the world and it is really going to be boring for many Nigerians to watch.”

Regardless, Nigeria are on course to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations set for Ivory Coast following their strong start in the qualifying campaign.