Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze maintains faith in the team’s ability, saying their inability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was merely the result of a bad outing, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching next year’s tournament was ended last Sunday following a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff finals.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead, before Meschack Elia equalized for the Leopards in a frantic first 45 minutes.
No further goals was scored in the tie after regulation time and an additional 30 minutes of extra-time, sending the game into penalty shootout.
DR Congo edged Nigeria 4-3 in the ensuing spot-kicks to secure victory in the game and advance to the next round of qualification.
The Leopards will now compete with five other countries for two available slots for the World Cup at next year’s intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
What Chukwueze said
Samuel Chukwueze started both of Nigeria’s playoff games, but came off in the second half after struggling to replicate his brilliant performance in the 4-0 win over Benin Republic in October.
Speaking in an interview, the Fulham forward expressed disappointment at missing back-to-back World Cup tournaments, but encouraged the squad to maintain focus.
“Nigeria is a team made up of top-level players. For tonight, it was a disastrous and hard-to-accept night. We will come back stronger and more mature”, Chukwueze said.
“Regarding the talents, it’s not a question of quality: we have a very talented team, perhaps even more so than that of Congo. But football is cruel: it’s not a question of talent, just a bad day.
“Bravo to our opponent, who was impenetrable across all lines. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a team play like the DRC’s. They accomplished their mission. Congratulations and good luck for the rest. I ask forgiveness from our people”, he continued.
Nigeria shift focus to AFCON 2025
Nigeria must bounce back from the disappointment of missing two straight FIFA World Cup tournaments ahead of the African Cup of Nations in December.
The Super Eagles will battle it out with the likes of Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in group C of the competition scheduled to take place in Morocco.
They finished second at the last edition in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the host nation in the final and will be eyeing an improved finish by the time the tournament kicks off on the 21st of December.
