As Africa prepares to make history with a record ten representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s absence from the global showpiece.
The tournament, which kicks off next week across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia as Africa’s flag bearers.
Nigeria, one of the continent’s traditional football powerhouses, failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive edition after suffering defeat to DR Congo in the playoff round.
Reflecting on the development, the FC Porto full-back described Nigeria’s absence from the expanded tournament as unusual and unacceptable.
“I must say it’s not normal to have ten teams from Africa at the World Cup without Nigeria. It has happened, and we have to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. We need to take our spot as the giants of Africa and make it count next time,” Zaidu said.
The defender also turned his attention to Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Portugal, a match he is particularly excited about given his club ties in the European nation.
Zaidu featured throughout the second half of Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Poland earlier this week and is hopeful the team can build momentum ahead of future assignments.
“I will be at home in a way, and hopefully we get the result that will be good for our morale going forward,” he added.
With the Super Eagles watching the World Cup from afar once again, attention is already shifting toward rebuilding and ensuring Nigeria returns to football’s biggest stage in the next qualification cycle.
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