World Cup 2026: Key reasons Morocco keep winning & Nigeria Super Eagles keep missing out

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has described Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, Afrik-Foot reports.

The retired France international says the Super Eagles are too important to African football to miss back-to-back editions of the competition.

Sagna, who is working as part of SuperSport’s World Cup broadcast team, shared his thoughts during the broadcaster’s virtual media roundtable. The former Manchester City full-back represented his country at two FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2016 and believes Nigeria’s failure to qualify has been noticeable throughout the tournament.

According to Sagna, Nigeria are among the continent’s leading lights, making it difficult to understand why the Super Eagles were not competing alongside Africa’s other representatives.

He revealed that the reality of Nigeria’s absence struck him shortly after arriving in South Africa when he met Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi.

“Nigeria remains one of the biggest football nations in Africa,” Sagna said as per ThisDayLive. “To be honest with you, when I got here, I was expecting Alex Iwobi and Nigeria to be here. When I realised they didn’t qualify, it was a shock to me because, for me, Nigeria has some of the best array of players abroad and they also have the quality to pick one of the tickets.”

Despite Nigeria’s disappointment, the former defender urged supporters not to turn against the players or coaching staff during difficult periods. Instead, he called on fans to continue backing the national team.

“It is not a shame not qualifying. Yes, it is a disappointment, but players need support. The fans have no idea how much supporting the team helps the players.”

Drawing from his own playing days at Arsenal, he remembered several occasions when the atmosphere created by supporters helped the team recover from losing positions.

“How many times did we turn situations around because of the fans? Not because of us.”

Looking beyond Nigeria, Sagna believes African football is currently enjoying one of its strongest eras, with the gap between African countries and Europe’s traditional giants becoming smaller.

The former defender also backed France to go all the way despite their narrow Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. He argued that Didier Deschamps’ side have a history of improving as tournaments progress rather than peaking too early.

“I still believe France has a good chance to win the World Cup because the national team never started a competition on the high. It has always been a build-up. It was the case in 2018, again in 2022 and again today.”

World Cup: Morocco’s long-term football project, lessons for Nigeria

Sagna pointed to Morocco as the perfect example of how patience, planning and investment can transform a national team.

He said Morocco’s rise did not happen overnight but came after more than a decade of deliberate work, beginning with major investment in youth football around 2009 and 2010.

“In 2009 and 2010 they created the Mohammed VI Academy. The fruits of that investment are reflecting now.”

According to Sagna, many of the Moroccan players shining at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were only 12, 13 or 14 years old when that investment began. Years later, they are now leading the Atlas Lions on the biggest stage.

“Those kids playing now were probably 12, 13 or 14 years old when the investment started.”

He stressed that countries hoping to compete regularly for major honours cannot depend on short-term solutions.

“If you want to have a quality team, you need to focus on development.”

Sagna added that quality infrastructure is impossible without consistent financial support.

“You can have good intentions, but without the funds to create the right environment, good pitches, healthcare and education, it becomes very difficult.”

Morocco’s progress supports his argument. The country invested heavily in the Mohammed VI Football Complex, arguably Africa’s most advanced football facilities, alongside the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which has helped produce several internationals. Strong backing from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, government support and partnerships with major companies have strengthened football from grassroots level to the senior national team.

Those investments have produced remarkable results. After becoming the first African country to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, Morocco qualified early for the 2026 tournament and reached another quarter-final after eliminating the Netherlands and beating Canada 3-0. Their football structure has also delivered success at youth level, with Morocco winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The contrast is clear for Nigeria. The Super Eagles possess enormous talent and a rich football history, yet the country continues to battle poor infrastructure, inconsistent youth development, administrative instability and frequent coaching changes.

Morocco’s model shows that lasting success depends on long-term planning rather than reacting only when tournaments approach. Greater investment in football facilities, stronger youth academies, improved governance within the Nigeria Premier Football League, and a well-organised scouting network for players in the diaspora could help Nigeria rebuild and compete consistently on the biggest international stage once again.