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By Lawrence Agbo
Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most painful experiences of his football administration career.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Pinnick admitted that watching the Super Eagles miss out on a second consecutive World Cup remains difficult to accept.
“It really gets into me, you know, because it is one of my saddest moments where we didn’t qualify when I was president and not qualified again,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Pinnick expressed confidence that Nigerian football is moving in the right direction and believes the country will bounce back strongly ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
The FIFA Men’s National Teams Competition Committee deputy chairperson commended the current NFF leadership for keeping the national team active through regular international fixtures, describing the approach as a positive sign for the future.
According to him, a strong senior national team remains the foundation of every successful football federation, and he is encouraged by the quality of players currently available to Nigeria.
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“We have a coach, we have football, we have a team, and we have young enterprising players,” he said.
Pinnick also highlighted emerging talents coming through the ranks, singling out young prospect Yohanna, who recently moved to Brighton, as one of the players capable of shaping the future of the Super Eagles.
“Watch out for Yohanna. I personally did a review on him. That’s the future. The NFF is monitoring him and talking to him,” he added.
Looking beyond the disappointment of missing the 2026 tournament, Pinnick predicted a much brighter future for the national team, insisting Nigeria would not only qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup but would also leave a significant mark on the competition.
“I want to believe we are not just going to qualify for the next World Cup. We are going to make a very prominent presence,” he said.
The former NFF boss also backed the Super Eagles to challenge strongly for continental glory, expressing optimism that Nigeria can win the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Pinnick stressed that continued unity and support from stakeholders would be crucial to restoring Nigerian football to the highest level, adding that he remains committed to contributing to the growth of the game.
