Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr believes Nigeria’s absence has been felt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Super Eagles would have given Africa stronger representation than some of the teams currently at the tournament.
Rohr, who guided Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal, offered a mixed assessment of Africa’s performances so far.
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“There are teams that have really impressed, while others have failed to make an impact,” Rohr said.
The Franco-German tactician singled out Morocco national football team and Ivory Coast national football team for praise, describing their displays as encouraging despite Côte d’Ivoire’s heartbreaking late defeat to Germany.
According to Rohr, both nations have shown they can compete with some of the world’s best teams.
He was, however, less impressed with the performances of South Africa national football team and DR Congo national football team.
“I expected much more from South Africa and DR Congo,” he added.
Rohr believes Nigeria would have offered Africa a stronger challenge had the Super Eagles qualified for the tournament.
“The Super Eagles would have represented Africa better,” he stated.
Nigeria failed to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup after a disappointing qualifying campaign, leaving the three-time African champions watching the tournament from home for the first time since missing the 2022 edition.
