Why Super Eagles players didn’t want to go to 2026 World Cup – Onugkha

Rodina Moscow forward, German Onugkha has claimed that Super Eagles players lacked the motivation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because they were already wealthy.

He said the players failed to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament because they had little incentive to participate, given their financial status.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, Onugkha has pledged his international future to Nigeria. He declined a call-up to the Russian national team for friendly matches against Thailand and Vietnam in September 2024.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final.

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Onugkha argued that Nigeria had enough quality to qualify for the 2026 World Cup but attributed the failure partly to a lack of motivation among the players.

Asked about his support for the Nigerian national team, Onugkha told Match TV:

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

“However, individuals lack motivation to participate there. Examining their roster—with such calibre of players, World Cup qualification should be achievable.

“They possess a roster valued at approximately half a billion dollars, yet they failed to qualify. In my assessment, they lacked the desire to go there. They would prefer six weeks of vacation over tournament participation.”

Onugkha played for Turkish Süper Lig club Kayserispor last season, when the team was relegated. He also faced Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen during the campaign.

He added: “I have a lot of money already. Additional wealth would not benefit Osimhen. It becomes immediately apparent you do not comprehend 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.”

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