Ronaldinho asks Okocha why Super Eagles missed 2026 World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha said Brazil legend Ronaldinho asked him why Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup, speaking on the ObiOne podcast published August 18, 2026. Okocha explained that Eric Chelle’s men lost the African play-off final to DR Congo, ending Nigeria’s hopes for the tournament.
He also praised John Mikel Obi for publicly criticizing the Nigeria Football Federation, noting that while he lives in Nigeria and considers the NFF president a friend, speaking up is difficult for him. “Kudos to you, John Mikel, you’re speaking up against the Nigerian Federation,” Okocha said, adding that he often gets asked by colleagues like Ronaldinho why the Super Eagles haven’t qualified.
The failure to qualify marks Nigeria’s second straight absence from the World Cup, following the 2022 omission. Okocha’s comments highlight growing concern among football legends about NFF governance and its impact on team performance, raising questions about accountability and reforms needed for Nigerian football to return to global competitiveness.