FCT Minister Nyesom Wike publicly vented Nigeria’s frustration over the Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, using the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja to deliver a pointed message to the national team.
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo was among dignitaries at the event, and Wike wasted no time in appointing him as the messenger of the nation’s displeasure.
“Before I leave, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles — we are not happy,” the minister said. “So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you.”
Wike said it was painful watching lesser-known footballing nations compete at the ongoing tournament while Nigeria — with at least 13 players featuring for other countries at the World Cup — sat on the sidelines.
“I watch the World Cup and countries I’ve never heard before qualifying to play,” he said. “Nigeria, in this context, has not less than 13 Nigerians playing all over the world in the ongoing World Cup. But here, we did not qualify.”
He closed his remarks with a direct instruction to the ex-skipper: “Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy.”
Nigeria crashed out of World Cup contention during the CAF qualifying playoffs, losing to Congo on penalties and missing what would have been a return to football’s biggest stage.
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