Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has admitted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a painful disappointment, but believes the setback should become the foundation for a stronger future.
The experienced defender urged Nigerian football authorities to treat the missed qualification as a wake-up call, stressing that the national team must learn from its shortcomings and build a sustainable structure capable of returning the Super Eagles to football’s biggest tournament in 2030.
NFF Must Implement Sustainable Plan
Troost-Ekong insisted that the disappointment of successive qualification failures must inspire the NFF to implement a clear and sustainable plan that will give the Super Eagles the best chance of returning to football’s biggest stage in 2030
“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” added Troost-Ekong.
“We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup.
“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas, and doing everything possible to improve.
“I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players. I simply believe there are several areas that need to change, and this time those changes will be essential if the team is to succeed.
“I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch the African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance.
“Looking at the quality and talent within the squad, I believe they would have been ready. Many of the players have matured, and some also gained valuable experience at the 2018 World Cup there.
“All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire,” Troost-Ekong told Supersport.
Nigeria will now shift its attention to rebuilding ahead of the next FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with expectations that the Nigeria Football Federation and the coaching crew will address the issues that contributed to the team’s absence from the 2026 tournament.
Despite the disappointment, Troost-Ekong remains optimistic that the Super Eagles possess the quality, experience and hunger to return to the global stage, provided the right decisions are made both on and off the pitch.
