The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday expressed the deep disappointment of millions of Nigerians over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging former national captain Joseph Yobo to convey the nation’s frustration to the squad.
Mr Wike was speaking at the commissioning of the Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway in Abuja, where Yobo was among the dignitaries in attendance.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s absence from the global football showpiece remained difficult to comprehend, given the abundance of Nigerian footballers currently excelling in top leagues across the world.
“Let me use this opportunity, through Joseph Yobo, to tell the Super Eagles that Nigerians are not happy,” Mr Wike said.
“The moment they mentioned the Super Eagles, I decided not to clap. I have spent hours watching the World Cup and seeing countries many people scarcely knew qualify for the tournament, while Nigeria, with some of the finest talents playing across the globe, failed to make it.”
Addressing Yobo directly, the minister added: “Go and tell them that we are not happy.”
