German Onugkha accuses Super Eagles of lacking motivation after 2026 World Cup failure

Dual-national striker German Onugkha has questioned the commitment and mentality of Nigeria’s players following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the Super Eagles possessed enough quality to secure a place at the tournament.

The 30-year-old Rodina Moscow forward believes Nigeria’s absence from the expanded 48-team competition cannot be explained by a lack of talent, suggesting that motivation was a major factor behind their disappointing qualifying campaign.

Nigeria suffered a painful setback in the African playoff final, losing 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo after their contest ended level. The defeat ended their hopes of reaching the inter-confederation playoffs and competing for a place at the World Cup.

Onugkha, who was born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, remains open to representing the Super Eagles despite his criticism of the current squad.

Onugkha questions players’ commitment

Speaking to Russian broadcaster Match TV, Onugkha expressed disappointment at Nigeria’s failure to reach the World Cup but questioned whether the players were sufficiently motivated to achieve qualification.

“Yes, it was disappointing that they didn’t qualify for the World Cup.

“But people don’t want to play there. You look at their roster—with players like that, it’s impossible not to qualify for the World Cup.

“They have a roster worth half a billion dollars, and they didn’t qualify. My opinion is that they didn’t want to go. They’d rather spend six weeks on vacation than go to a tournament.”

The striker’s comments highlight the frustration surrounding Nigeria’s failure to capitalise on the increased opportunities presented by the expanded tournament.

With 48 teams participating in the 2026 edition, Africa received nine guaranteed places, alongside the possibility of an additional representative through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, fell short at the decisive stage despite having several established players competing at leading European clubs.

Their defeat to DR Congo proved particularly costly, denying them the opportunity to face another opponent for a final World Cup qualification spot.

Osimhen singled out despite criticism

Onugkha also questioned the motivation of Victor Osimhen, despite praising the striker’s outstanding individual qualities.

The pair crossed paths during the 2024-25 season when Onugkha played for Turkish club Kayserispor and Osimhen featured for Galatasaray.

Osimhen’s performances in Turkey left a strong impression on the Russian-based forward, who recalled how the Nigeria international dominated their encounter.

“I think they already have a lot of money. It won’t do Osimhen any good. It’s immediately obvious you don’t understand the Nigerian mentality (laughs).

“There’s just no motivation, that’s all. I remember Osimhen playing against us for Galatasaray.

“He’d scored two goals by the 20th minute; he was a beast! And then I look at the World Cup qualifiers—it’s clear he doesn’t want to play.”

Osimhen has established himself as one of Nigeria’s leading attacking figures, making Onugkha’s comments about his commitment particularly striking.

However, the striker offered no evidence to substantiate his claim that the players deliberately lacked the desire to qualify, presenting it as his personal assessment of Nigeria’s disappointing campaign.

Russian-born striker remains open to Nigeria

Onugkha’s Nigerian heritage has kept the Super Eagles among his international options. Despite being born and raised in Russia, the forward has previously indicated his willingness to represent his father’s country.

He rejected a call-up to the Russian national team for friendly matches against Thailand and Vietnam in September 2024, leaving his international future open.

Before joining Rodina Moscow during the summer, Onugkha played for Kayserispor in the Turkish Süper Lig. His experience against Osimhen and other established players has given him an opportunity to assess the level of talent available to Nigeria.

When asked to identify the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time, he selected former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha, a three-time World Cup participant renowned for his creativity and technical ability.

Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup has intensified scrutiny of the national team, with questions continuing over how a squad containing several high-profile players missed out on qualification.