Can Nigeria Afford to Miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are treading on dangerous ground. With an underwhelming qualification campaign so far, the possibility of missing back-to-back World Cups is becoming real. 

But can Nigeria afford to sit out another tournament? The consequences stretch far beyond just football, affecting players, fans, businesses, and even the nation’s economy.

It is a missed opportunity for players

For many Nigerian footballers, the World Cup is more than just a tournament, t’s a career-defining stage. It’s where young talents earn global recognition and secure life-changing contracts with top European clubs. 

Without this exposure, rising stars may struggle to attract the big-money deals that could elevate their careers. Established players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman also stand to lose—without the World Cup spotlight, their value and brand appeal may take a hit.

How it will affect the coaching staff

Football is unforgiving, and missing out on a major tournament often means heads will roll. The Super Eagles’ coaching crew would likely face intense scrutiny, with job losses almost inevitable. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has never been shy about making drastic changes when results don’t go their way, and another failed qualification campaign could see another shake-up, leaving uncertainty around the team’s direction.

How it will affect the businesses and the economy

The World Cup isn’t just about football; it’s also a massive economic event. Nigerian businesses, especially those in advertising, merchandise, and hospitality, benefit hugely when the Super Eagles qualify. Brands invest heavily in sponsorship deals, commercials, and promotions tied to the tournament. 

Without Nigeria in the mix, that revenue disappears. From sports bars to jersey sales, missing out on the World Cup means millions of naira in lost opportunities.

The heartbreak of Nigerian fans

For millions of Nigerians, football is more than just a sport—it’s a shared passion that unites the country. When the Super Eagles play, streets are empty, families gather around televisions, and social media explodes with excitement. 

Missing out on the World Cup would rob fans of that collective joy. The disappointment would be immense, and national morale would take a hit, especially given the pride Nigerians take in their footballing heritage.

How it will affect the Nigeria Football Federation

The NFF also stands to lose significantly. FIFA provides financial incentives to federations whose teams qualify for the World Cup. These funds help in developing grassroots football, improving facilities, and supporting youth programs.

If Nigeria doesn’t qualify, the ripple effect could slow down the country’s football development, making future successes even harder to achieve.

Nigeria’s place in African football

Nigeria is one of Africa’s football giants, and its presence at the World Cup strengthens the continent’s representation. If the Super Eagles fail to qualify, it raises questions about the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.

It also means one less African powerhouse at the tournament, which could weaken the continent’s overall performance and influence in global football.

Missing out on the 2022 World Cup was already painful enough. A second consecutive absence would be disastrous, not just for football but for the country as a whole. The Super Eagles must do everything in their power to turn things around. 

The players need to rise to the occasion, the coaching staff must find solutions, and the federation must ensure the team gets the support it needs. For Nigeria, missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a blow the country cannot afford.