The Price of Failure: What happens if Nigeria misses 2026 FIFA World Cup?

• The Super Eagles' qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in jeopardy, and missing out again could have severe consequences
• Established stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman risk losing global market value and endorsement opportunities without the tournament spotlight
• Notably, millions of Nigerian fans would be deeply disappointed, as football is one of the few things that unite the country despite political and tribal divides

For decades, the Super Eagles have been one of Africa’s footballing giants, gracing the biggest stage and making their mark at World Cups. 

But as the 2026 edition draws closer, Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang by a thread and a second consecutive absence would be nothing short of catastrophic, not just for football but for the nation at large. 

From shattered careers to economic downturns, here’s how TheRadar thinks Nigeria would feel the impact:

Stock of Nigerian stars would take a hit

For Nigerian footballers, the World Cup isn’t just a tournament, it’s a golden gateway to elite European football. 

Young talents use it as a launchpad to attract scouts and secure life-changing contracts. Missing out means potential superstars could fade into obscurity, lacking the exposure to take their careers to the next level. 

Even established stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi would suffer. The World Cup enhances a player’s global reputation, leading to higher market value, lucrative endorsements, and better club contracts. 

Without that stage, their bargaining power diminishes. The absence of Nigerian players on such a massive platform could make them less appealing to top clubs and brands.Those aspiring to secure moves to top European sides would have to rely solely on club football. 

Additionally, missing the tournament could stall Nigeria’s football development. Young players who draw inspiration from watching their heroes compete on the world stage would be deprived of that motivation. 

Economic and commercial fallout for Nigeria

Football is big business, and the World Cup is a financial goldmine. When Nigeria qualifies, companies, especially those in telecommunications, banking, and the beverage industry will invest heavily in sponsorships and marketing campaigns. 

A failure to qualify would mean millions of naira in lost revenue. Sports bars, restaurants, and viewing centres that thrive during the World Cup season would see no overwhelming patronage. 

Merchandisers selling Super Eagles jerseys and related kits would face massive losses. 

Even broadcasters would struggle, as fewer Nigerians would tune in to watch a tournament that their country isn’t part of. 

Unarguably, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would also take a financial hit. It is no news that FIFA allocates substantial funding to federations whose teams qualify, which helps in grassroots development and infrastructure projects. 

Without these funds, Nigeria’s football system could stagnate, limiting future opportunities for young players and weakening domestic football structures.

National disappointment and loss of continental prestige

The Super Eagles are more than just a football team, they are a symbol of national unity. In a country often divided by politics, ethnicity, and economic hardship, football is one of the few things that brings Nigerians together. 

When Nigeria plays at the World Cup, the streets are empty, social media explodes with excitement, and the nation momentarily forgets its troubles. 

Missing out on the 2026 tournament would rob Nigerians of that collective pride. The morale of millions of passionate fans would take a hit, replacing World Cup excitement with frustration and anger. 

The disappointment wouldn’t be on the fans alone, Nigeria’s footballing reputation would also suffer globally. For a country that prides itself on being an African giant, consecutive World Cup absences would raise serious questions about the team’s competitiveness and overall stature.

Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s brand as a footballing nation would take a significant hit, affecting its ability to attract top-tier friendlies, sponsorship deals, and youth investment.

Nigeria missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be more than just a footballing failure, it would be an economic, social, and sporting disaster. 

Even those theme songs that our singers specially craft for World Cup campaigns would be nowhere to be found. Remember Olamide and Phyno’s song, Road 2 Russia (Dem Go Hear Am), for the 2018 World Cup? 

The price of failure is simply too high, but then, all hope is not lost. Nigerians are currently in their permutation mode, and let’s hope this will be enough to get us a visa to the United States. 

“We were the best team,” Chelle defends Super Eagles despite Zimbabwe draw

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe. 

Despite dominating a better part of the match, the Super Eagles failed to see off their opponents, conceding a last-minute equaliser that left them fourth in Group C with just seven points.