- Home >
- Soccer >
- CAF Africa Cup of Nations >
- What The World Cup Loses Without a Nigeria Shining at Afcon
What The World Cup Loses Without a Nigeria Shining at Afcon
Nigeria are lighting up AFCON once again, but their absence from the World Cup leaves an uncomfortable question: what does global football miss without the Super Eagles?
Nigeria, a continental powerhouse in full flow
All the excitement of AFCON 2025 exclusively on beIN Sports.
At the AFCON 2025, Nigeria have reminded everyone why they remain one of Africa’s most feared sides. With direct football, attacking firepower and elite individual quality, the Super Eagles booked their place in the semifinals by knocking out Algeria, extending an impressive run through the tournament.
Wins over Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia in the group stage were followed by victories against Mozambique in the round of 16 and Algeria in the quarterfinals. Up next is an even bigger challenge: a showdown with hosts Morocco for a place in the final.
Osimhen and Lookman lead from the front
On the pitch, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been the driving force. Between them, they have been directly involved in 7 of Nigeria’s 16 goals across five matches, spearheading an attack built on pace, power and efficiency.
Beyond the statistics, their influence is visible in Nigeria’s mentality. This is a team playing with belief, intensity and a tempo few opponents in the Africa Cup of Nations can match.
Off-field tensions threaten to distract
Away from the spotlight of the pitch, Nigeria’s journey has not been without turbulence. Osimhen was involved in a touchline dispute with the coaching staff against Tunisia, and later clashed with Lookman during the 4–0 win over Mozambique, an issue that was swiftly resolved internally.
Just as attention returned to football, a more serious issue emerged: unpaid bonuses. According to BBC Africa, players and staff are still waiting for performance-related payments, creating tension at a critical stage of the tournament.
Ndidi steps up when it matters most
The figures involved are estimated at around $30,000 per player, though exact amounts vary. What matters is that the money has not arrived, prompting a direct response from the squad.
With the risk of disruption growing, captain Wilfred Ndidi stepped in. The midfielder took control of the situation, urging unity and focus. Speaking to the BBC through journalist Oluwashínto Okeleji, Ndidi was emphatic:
“If the authorities don’t pay before Saturday, I will. What matters is that the team stays focused on competing.”
A statement that underlines his leadership and the collective resolve inside the camp.
AFCON brilliance, World Cup absence
The contrast is striking. While Nigeria are thriving on the continental stage, they will not be part of the 2026 World Cup. Not because of a lack of talent, but due to a qualification campaign filled with costly missteps.
Draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, along with a damaging defeat to Benin, left the Super Eagles playing catch-up in CAF Qualifying Group C, now led by South Africa.
A void the World Cup will feel
Without Nigeria, the World Cup loses physical dominance, global stars and a team capable of challenging anyone on its day. AFCON 2025 is proving that point once again.
African football continues to rise, and Nigeria remain one of its flagship teams. The real question is no longer whether the Super Eagles belong on the world stage—but how much poorer that stage is without them.
