Ex-Super Eagles star explains why he does not want Nigeria at 2026 World Cup

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has explained why he does not want Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Brentford and Leeds United star’s comments come even as Nigeria await a final ruling from football’s governing body regarding a petition against DR Congo.

Nigeria’s path to the World Cup has been filled with missed opportunities. The Super Eagles were placed in a qualifying group alongside South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Benin Republic.

If FIFA gives their final verdict and it favours Nigeria 🇳🇬, it is not going through the back door.

There are rules guiding football, and rules must be followed.

Dr Congo pic.twitter.com/7yHT7KHrkC

— CAF League Zone (@CAFLeagueZone) February 17, 2026

Despite expectations, Nigeria failed to beat several opponents at home and even suffered a historic defeat to Benin.

Although FIFA deducted three points from South Africa, Bafana Bafana still finished above Nigeria to claim automatic qualification.

The Super Eagles were later handed another opportunity after Eritrea national football team withdrew from the process, allowing Nigeria to enter the Confederation play-offs. They defeated Gabon in the semi-final but lost the decisive match to DR Congo, missing out once again.

Sodje questions Super Eagles’ route back to the World Cup

Nigeria now hope for a third chance. The Nigeria Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo used ineligible players during the play-off final.

If the case succeeds, Nigeria could be reinstated and given another opportunity to secure a place at the 2026 tournament.

However, Sodje believes qualification through administrative decisions would not solve deeper problems in Nigerian football.

Speaking with Brila.net, he said the country should instead focus on rebuilding the game properly.

“I think we should move forward,” Sodje said. “If FIFA decision works in our favour so be it, but to say the truth I don’t want us to qualify.

“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 a Nigerian, I want to see FIFA’s decision go our way, but if you ask me personally I am hoping we don’t go.”

Nigeria are still waiting for FIFA’s final verdict on the protest. Football authorities in Abuja remain confident that their case is strong, while DR Congo insist they have done nothing wrong.

The Super Eagles already missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup would mark Nigeria’s first absence from consecutive World Cups since 1990.