AFCON: We Owe Nigerians an Apology After World Cup Failure – Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has admitted that Nigeria’s national team owes Nigerians an apology for failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen described the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as a critical opportunity for the team to make amends and restore national pride. He said the disappointment of missing the World Cup is still fresh among the players, who fully understand the pain felt by fans at home and abroad.
“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 qualify for the FIFA World Cup has increased pressure on the team and the Nigeria Football Federation, marking a major setback for a country regarded as a football powerhouse.
Despite high expectations, Osimhen said the squad remains motivated rather than pressured, expressing confidence in the quality of the players and the technical crew.
“The expectation is really high all over the world,” he said. “But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the quality he has.”
He stressed that words alone are not enough, insisting the team must prove itself on the pitch.
“We have to fight for every game and every ball. We must try to win every game and see if we can go all the way and win it,” Osimhen added.
