Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has admitted that Nigeria’s national team owes the country an apology following its failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as an opportunity to make amends.
Osimhen said the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup remains fresh within the squad, noting that players are acutely aware of the pain felt by Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday with Pooja, the Napoli forward said the team is determined to use AFCON to restore national pride.
“We want to use this opportunity to say we are sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket,” Osimhen said.
“We know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerian fans. Life has happened, so we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well.”
Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup intensified scrutiny on the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), dealing a significant blow to a nation widely regarded as a powerhouse of African football.
Despite the setback, Osimhen said the sense of responsibility within the team remains strong, with players choosing motivation over pressure as expectations continue to rise.
According to him, confidence within the camp is driven by the quality of players and the technical crew.
“The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world,” he said.
“But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the kind of quality he possesses.”
Osimhen emphasised that words alone would not be enough, insisting that the team must back its intentions with hard work and results on the pitch.
“It’s not going to be easy. We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it.”
