“Countries I never heard of qualified” – Wike reacts to Nigeria’s World Cup miss out again

• Nyesom Wike has expressed his frustration at Nigeria’s absence from the FIFA World Cup, saying he watched countries he had never heard of qualify as the Super Eagles missed out.
• His statements sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians blaming football politics, poor administration and corruption for the national team’s woes, while others turned the moment into humor with jokes directed at the Super Eagles.

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking publicly, Wike said he watched the tournament and was surprised to see countries he had barely heard of participating while Nigeria was absent from the competition.

Addressing former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, Wike said;

“Let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles that we are not happy. I watched the World Cup and countries I had never heard of before qualified to play.

Yobo, go tell them we are not happy.”

His comments quickly gained attention online, with football fans and social media users sharing mixed reactions on the state of Nigerian football.

Many blamed poor administration, a lack of meritocracy and inadequate support for the national team, while others argued that wider governance issues also contributed to the country’s struggles in the sport.

Reactions

@Onyeani_Kalu
What to expect when a nation prefers politics to talent in football

@Abdulra57514442
Didn’t bad leadership and corruption get us here?

@serdeeq_Sq
Dear Minister, tell Yobo to add this: 😂
Guys, even Rwanda and Comoros qualify, but no one is willing to cross the border of Benin Republic? Which juju una dey use this year?

@snajnoshot
A very useless set of players. Now nah tourin and gram their Papa dey work up and down.

@Abdulsamadjnr
Go and tell the PBAT 9jerjans that they are not happy either..

@idriisgarba
Missing out on one World Cup hurts, but missing out while lesser nations qualify hurts even more

@Elderstatesmann
But when it’s time to pay them allowances and bonuses, you won’t come out and say you’re not happy with the government. Shift sir.

@Dareybabslink
Nigerians are really not happy watching the World Cup without the Super Eagles, it is so painful for football fans.