AFCON is our chance to apologise to Nigerians for missing World Cup – Osimhen

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has admitted that the Super Eagles owe Nigerians an apology for failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

He described the Africa Cup of Nations as a crucial chance for the team to make amends and restore national pride.

Speaking in an interview, Osimhen said the pain of missing out on the World Cup remains fresh among the players, who fully understand the disappointment felt by fans at home and in the diaspora.

“We want to use this opportunity to say we are sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket,” he said. “We know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerian fans. Life has happened, so we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well,” Osimhen added.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has intensified scrutiny on the team and the Nigeria Football Federation, dealing a major blow to a country long regarded as a powerhouse of African football.

Osimhen said the sense of responsibility within the squad is strong, even as expectations remain high. According to him, the players are motivated rather than weighed down by pressure, drawing confidence from the quality within the team and the technical bench.

“The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world,” he said. “But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the kind of quality he possesses.”

Osimhen stressed that apologies alone are not enough, insisting the team must back its words with action on the pitch. “It’s not going to be easy. We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it,” he said.