Dutch football coach, Simon Kalika has said the absence of the Super Eagles from the 2026 FIFA World Cup would diminish the tournament, comparing it to staging the competition without global giants Brazil or Spain.
Kalika said the football world always looks forward to seeing Nigerian players at the World Cup because of their flair and talent.
“It would be boring. Nigeria has young, talented players the football world always looks forward to seeing at the World Cup,” he said.
Kalika, who worked as an assistant to Samson Siasia when Nigeria’s Flying Eagles won silver at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, noted that Nigerian players consistently add excitement to the global showpiece.
“These players play in top European clubs and are always a joy to watch together on the biggest football stage — the World Cup,” he added.
According to Kalika, Nigeria’s absence affects more than just footballing pride, as it also impacts the quality and commercial appeal of the tournament.
“Not being at the World Cup is like covering their talents with a stone so the world cannot see them. That affects the tournament,” he said.
“Nigeria is like Brazil and Spain. Not seeing them at the World Cup affects the competition commercially and makes the game look boring.”
He stressed that the World Cup feels incomplete without Nigerian stars.
“The World Cup is the biggest football stage, and Nigeria has the players and should always be there,” Kalika said.
The Super Eagles have previously featured at the FIFA World Cup six times — in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018 — but failed to qualify directly for the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation is still exploring a possible qualification route after petitioning FIFA against DR Congo over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during a playoff match in Morocco, which Nigeria lost on penalties.
FIFA is yet to issue a ruling, with investigations into the matter ongoing.
