Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us – Frank Onyeka after World Cup playoff setback

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka insists Nigerians have every right to be upset following their 2026 World Cup qualification failure.

The West African football heavyweights is out of the race for the global showpiece after falling short to DR Congo in a tense penalty shootout in Rabat, Morocco, following a 1-1 stalemate after extra time.

The Leopards are now set to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026 after triumphing over Nigeria on penalties.

Following the teams World Cup qualification heartbreak, Onyeka, who plies his trade for Club Brugge has urged the side to shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We, the players, are hurting, just as much as Nigerians are hurting. Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us. It is very tough not to go to the next World Cup,” Onyeka said. “Some of us may not be around in five years, in 2030. It’s painful.

“But we have an AFCON to play in 34 days, and we need to get ready for that and do better than we did last time.”

Having missing out on World Cup qualification, the Super Eagles has shifted their attention to the impending African Cup of Nations tournament, scheduled for Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.

The Super Eagles are paired in Group C against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda at the continental showpiece. They will open their AFCON account against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.