The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blamed the Federal Government for the absence of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NPO Reported that the Super Eagles crashed out of the world cup qualification after losing the African play-off final to DR Congo in November 2025.
The Eric Chelle-led side were denied the world cup ticket by the Congolese who edged past them via penalty shootout to book a spot at the intercontinental play-off final where they defeated Jamaica to qualify for the tournament.
With the World Cup commencing yesterday without the Super Eagles, Obi, in a post shared on his X handle, alleged deficit in leadership, planning, and lack of institutional support as reasons behind the absence of the Nigerian national team at the tournament.
The ex-Anambra governor charged Nigerian youths to wake up to the responsibility of building a better Nigeria and move the country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to producers and competitors.
“As the World Cup begins today across three nations, I identify with our teeming football followers and urge them not to be despondent that Nigeria is not participating, despite the abundant talent in our land.
“Our failure to participate on the global stage is not due to a deficit of talent; it is a direct consequence of a deficit in leadership, planning, and institutional support.
“The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. Do not watch the World Cup with despair; rather, see it as a reminder of where Nigeria ought to be.
“We must move our country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to a nation of proud producers and competitors. A new Nigeria is POssible.” Obi wrote.
.... by the ex-Anambra governor had since attracted mixed reactions from netizens who largely faulted his claim.
“With all due respect sir, football is luck. You may play your best with your best talents in a team and still won’t qualify. Nigeria isn’t the only country of the world that didn’t qualify for the world cup. Italy didn’t qualify but anyways still press APC neck”@clem_Dukas1920
“Na deficit of leadership make chukwueze dey miss penalty?”@ansem_edet
“When will this man finally begin to use his senses? Or perhaps the better question is; when will he start having senses? This is not a political jab; it is a sincere question asked in all honesty and seriousness.”@Iyoaiye_
“With you as our next President, Nigeria will win 2030 world cup. We have the talent and skills, only a leader with vision in a corrupt free Nigeria can make it happen. Your track record of integrity and commitment to service will inspire super Eagles to victory OBI/KWANKWASO2027″@EmekaNwanonye
“This man again? It’s Nigerian government’s fault for Super Eagles not to qualify for the World Cup?? Bros take am easy now. So other countries like Italy, Poland, Ukraine e.t.c that did not qualify should blame their government too? Don’t be myopic in your criticism please”@Mmanua_pro
“I don’t agree with this. Other well governed nations like Italy and China did not qualify as well. Football has little to do with politics and vice versa.”@solarville2
“Everything na politics to you. Your kind of leadership is divisive, you single-handedly turned every Nigerians against one another.”@Sunday Clement
“So I’m guessing Italy that didn’t qualify are also deficit in leadership,planning and institutional support?”@Phabpresh
“The country is under some evil curse …nothing works ! Only thing thriving now in Nigeria is tribalism, nepotism and terrorism . One reason I pray and believe your leadership would turn things around . Nigeria is dying of a change!”@lanmichael_
“My question is how many team did you create when you’re a governor of anambra state how many team are played in npfl during your reign as anambra governor and how many league those team won if you have answer to this I will vote you in next year”@Sambest0706447