Dutch coach Reveals Why Super Eagles Of Nigeria Out To Be At 2026 World Cup
A Dutch tactician Simon Kalika has expressed profound frustration over Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Super Eagles’ absence as a damaging blow to the global showpiece.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were derailed following a crucial defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a result that proved decisive in their World Cup campaign. The loss not only compounded earlier setbacks but also effectively shut the door on a place at the finals.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal petition with FIFA, raising concerns over officiating decisions during the match against DR Congo. The petition, according to officials, questioned several key calls that were believed to have influenced the outcome of the encounter. FIFA is yet to issue a ruling on the matter.
Speaking on the development, Kalika who worked as assistant coach to Samson Siasia at during Nigeria’s campaigns at both the 2005 FIFA U‑20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, said Nigeria’s failure to reach the finals was particularly painful given the depth of talent available to the team.
According to him, the Super Eagles boast some of the most exciting attacking players on the African continent, footballers capable of thrilling audiences on the world stage.
The 2026 finals, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will now take place without one of Africa’s most recognisable football nations for the second consecutive time.
