Onugkha claims Super Eagles lacked World Cup motivation due to existing wealth

German Onugkha, the Russian-born forward pledged to Nigeria, said Super Eagles players lacked the motivation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup because they were already wealthy. He told Match TV that the squad, valued at about half a billion dollars, had little incentive to play given their financial status, preferring six weeks of vacation over tournament participation. Nigeria’s failure to qualify came after a 4-3 penalty loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final, despite Onugkha’s belief that the team had enough quality to make the World Cup.

This claim highlights a growing concern about player commitment when financial security reduces the drive to represent the country. Onugkha also questioned Victor Osimhen’s dedication, recalling the striker’s two-goal performance against Kayserispor but asserting that Osimhen’s actions in qualifiers showed he did not want to play. The remarks come amid fresh controversy over the NFF’s handling of the team’s preparation and raise broader questions about how to align players’ personal wealth with national team ambitions.

If financial comfort diminishes pride in wearing the green and white, what incentives—performance bonuses, legacy projects, or renewed cultural emphasis—could rekindle the Super Eagles’ desire to compete on football’s biggest stage?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/10/why-super-eagles-players-didnt-want-to-go-to-2026-world-cup-onugkha/