Former Tremendous Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has delivered a sobering message forward of the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), warning that even when Nigeria go all the best way and raise the trophy, it is not going to erase the deep disappointment of lacking out on yet one more FIFA World Cup.
Talking with agency honesty, Mikel mentioned Nigeria should regroup shortly for the event in Morocco, however insisted that the emotional wound of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — the nation’s second consecutive miss — stays too heavy to disregard.
“Even successful AFCON received’t take away the ache,” the previous Chelsea star mentioned, describing the World Cup because the platform Nigerians count on and demand to see their crew shine. He confused that qualifying for soccer’s greatest occasion ought to be the minimal normal for a rustic with Nigeria’s expertise, historical past and international popularity.
Mikel highlighted the frustration felt by hundreds of thousands of followers, noting that the Tremendous Eagles have now failed in back-to-back qualification campaigns regardless of having certainly one of Africa’s strongest participant swimming pools.
“Nigerians need to see their crew on the largest stage — competing with prime nations and the very best gamers on the planet,” he mentioned.
What pains him most, Mikel added, is that one of many world’s most in-form strikers — extensively understood to be Victor Osimhen — will miss the 2026 Mundial regardless of being on the peak of his profession. The midfielder mentioned it’s moments like these that ought to drive Nigerian soccer to replicate deeply and set greater requirements.
Nonetheless, Mikel urged the gamers to regroup, refocus and provides their all on the AFCON, describing it as the following fast alternative to revive some nationwide delight. However he remained clear:
Nigeria belongs on the World Cup — and nothing else comes shut
