Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen admitted the team owes Nigeria an apology after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He said the Africa Cup of Nations offers the Super Eagles a chance to make amends and restore national pride after the painful disappointment.
In an interview on Sunday, Osimhen said the players still feel the pain of missing out on the World Cup. He noted that the team understands the disappointment of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
“We want to take this opportunity to express our apology for not securing a World Cup berth,” Osimhen said.
He added that the players are aware of the fans’ frustration and are determined to respond on the field.
“We know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerian fans. Life has changed, so we have to move on, and this Africa Cup of Nations is an opportunity for us to do well,” he said.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup increased scrutiny of the Super Eagles and the Nigerian Football Federation. It also dealt a heavy blow to a nation known for its footballing pedigree.
Osimhen said that expectations surrounding the team remain high, both within the training camp and among fans around the world. He added that the pressure has not affected either the players or the coaching staff.
“The expectation is very high, not only within the training camp, but also among Super Eagles fans around the world,” he said.
“But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach, because we know the quality he possesses,” Osimhen added.
The striker emphasized that apologies alone are not enough. He asserted that the team must demonstrate its commitment through hard work and results.
“It won’t be easy. We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every match and see if we can reach the final and win it,” he concluded.
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