LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian football fans criticized the national team, the Super Eagles, on Monday, July 20, 2026, after the organization congratulated Spain on winning the world championship and stated they would return to the tournament.
Okay News reports that the Super Eagles published a statement on the social media platform X reading, “Congratulations to Spain on winning the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup. See you in 2030.”
Supporters responded with sarcasm regarding the country’s recent qualification record. X user @lordshills wrote, “Like say you go qualify abeg find chair go sit down.” Another user, @Jadash_jnr, said, “No be by see you in 2030, make una try qualify even though Na through window make una go that world cup o.”
User @_darkguycosta added, “2030 wey you fit no qualify and make us dey use calculator.” User @Joseph_O_E wrote, “Omo, if una no qualify for the next one, we go cause problem for NFF o,” referring to the Nigeria Football Federation.
Other fans requested the team prioritize preparation for future matches. User @bankofphemmy wrote, “Not by mouth o. We need to start grinding now before qualification games will commence. Winning AFCON will pacify our non appearance at the World Cup.” User @KingDrizzy00 said, “I believe you guys would be the ones to collect the trophy from Spain… But please keep this squad, coach and just do the right things just like Spain. We would meet them in the final and win them to get the World Cup to Africa.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second behind South Africa in their qualifying group. This extended the team’s absence from the tournament to two consecutive editions following a failure to reach the event in Qatar in 2022. Spain won the tournament after Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
