Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has voiced his displeasure over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, asking former captain Joseph Yobo to pass on Nigerians’ disappointment to the team.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, an event attended by Yobo and other dignitaries.
While acknowledging the former Super Eagles star, the minister said many Nigerians remain unhappy that the country failed to secure a place at the ongoing expanded 48-team World Cup.
“But before I leave, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles we are not happy.
“So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you,” Wike said.
He lamented that Nigeria is missing from the tournament despite having several players featuring for clubs across the globe.
“I watch the World Cup and countries I’ve never heard before qualifying to play the World Cup.
“And I’m sitting down for hours watching countries that are not known. Nigeria, in this context, has not less than 13 Nigerians playing all over the world (in the ongoing World Cup). But here, we did not qualify.”
Speaking directly to Yobo, Wike added, “Yobo, go and tell them we are not happy.”
