Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has claimed that the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would not have occurred if he were still at the helm of Nigerian football.

Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh Global Football Insights show, Pinnick expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s elimination, pointing out that the expanded World Cup format — allowing up to 10 African teams to qualify — should have favoured the Super Eagles. He argued that strong leadership, such as the one he provided during his tenure, could have steered the team to qualification. Pinnick recalled Nigeria’s previous successes under his leadership, including the country’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, emphasizing that experience and strategic planning are key in navigating tough qualifying campaigns. He also referenced the 2022 playoff elimination against Ghana, which saw Nigeria knocked out on away goals, noting that accountability and strong management are critical in high-stakes tournaments. The Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2026 World Cup marks the second consecutive tournament Nigeria has missed, following a playoff loss to DR Congo on penalties, a result that has sparked debates about the current NFF leadership and the overall direction of Nigerian football. Analysts and stakeholders have called for structural reforms in coaching, administration, and strategic planning to prevent further disappointments. Despite his criticisms, Pinnick acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian football today and commended current NFF president Ibrahim Gusau for navigating a difficult footballing landscape. The NFF has urged the Super Eagles to regroup and focus on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, using the World Cup setback as motivation for future competitions. Fans and football pundits continue to debate the reasons behind Nigeria’s continued struggles on the world stage, with Pinnick’s comments reigniting discussions about leadership, preparation, and strategy in the national team.