‘I don’t want us to qualify’ - Ex-Super Eagles star says Nigeria should miss 2026 World Cup

Former Nigerian international Sam Sodje has sparked debate with a bold statement about the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup campaign, insisting that missing out on the tournament could be the wake-up call Nigerian football desperately needs.

Speaking to Brila.net, Sodje argued that structural reform within the sport should take priority over the prestige of competing at the World Cup.

He said, “I think we should move forward. If FIFA’s decision works in our favour, so be it. But to tell you the truth, I don’t want us to qualify.”

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament hinge partly on a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with FIFA, challenging the eligibility of a player fielded by the DR Congo during the qualifiers.

While the federation remains hopeful that the ruling could revive Nigeria’s campaign, Sodje believes the bigger issue lies within the system itself.

The former defender suggested that failing to qualify would expose deep-rooted administrative and developmental challenges that have hindered progress in recent years.

According to Sodje, participation in global tournaments without addressing structural weaknesses merely masks the underlying problems.

“I don’t want it because we need to see how bad our football has become. I am not looking forward to it. But because I am Nigerian, I want to see FIFA’s decision go our way. Personally, though, I am hoping we don’t go,” he added.

With a FIFA decision expected soon, Nigerian fans remain anxious about the outcome.