By our reporter 17.6.2026
The stark reality of missing two FIFA World Cups in a row at a time he is on top of his game is something that is bothering Nigerian top striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen and the rest of his high-profile Super Eagles buddies are biting their nails as they watch the unfolding drama of the world football fiesta featuring 48 teams with 10 slots given to the African continent. But somehow the Super Eagles allowed two qualification opportunities for the 2026 tournament to slip through their fingers.
First, they surrendered their group qualifier automatic ticket to South Africa, and they then failed to beat Congo DR in the continental play offs.
This was after the shocking failure to beat Ghana’s Black Stars in Abuja and qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys,” Osimhen said in an interview.
“We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving.”
It’s not just bad for Osimhen and his team mates alone but for teaming Nigerian fans who have to endure taunting of other fans from qualified African countries. Nigerians will have to wait till 2030 to get another opportunity.
Osimhen speaking on his future with Galatasaray against the usual background of summer transfer speculations, he noted that anything can happen in football transfers.
The striker enjoyed another productive campaign with the Turkish champions, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
“For me, I am happy there in Turkey. That is the most important thing, but you never know what the future might bring.”