German Onugkha has claimed that the Super Eagles lacked the motivation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that Nigeria had enough quality in its squad to secure a place at the tournament.
The Russian-based Nigerian striker made the allegation after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the competition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria’s campaign ended in disappointment after the team lost 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final. The defeat denied the three-time African champions a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Had Nigeria won, the team would have had another opportunity to qualify, potentially facing Jamaica for a ticket to the expanded 48-team tournament.
Onugkha Questions Super Eagles’ Motivation
Onugkha, who plays for Rodina Moscow, believes Nigeria had enough talent to qualify for the World Cup.
Speaking to Russian broadcaster Match TV, the striker suggested that the players were not sufficiently motivated to reach the tournament.
He argued that the value and quality of Nigeria’s squad made the failure to qualify difficult to understand.
Onugkha said, “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.”
His comments represent his personal assessment of Nigeria’s failure to qualify. He did not provide evidence that the players deliberately threw away the qualification campaign.
Striker Explains His Admiration for Osimhen
The 30-year-old also referred to Victor Osimhen while explaining his views on the Super Eagles’ disappointing qualifying campaign.
Onugkha previously played for Turkish club Kayserispor before moving to Rodina Moscow. During his time in Turkey, he faced Osimhen, who was playing for Galatasaray.
Recalling the encounter, Onugkha praised the Nigerian striker’s performance and described him as a powerful forward.
He said Osimhen’s quality made Nigeria’s failure to qualify even more surprising to him.
“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.”
Onugkha Remains Open to Representing Nigeria
Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, Onugkha has expressed interest in representing Nigeria internationally.
The forward reportedly turned down a call-up to Russia’s squad for friendly matches against Thailand and Vietnam in September 2024.
His latest comments have raised questions about the Super Eagles’ failed qualification campaign, although his suggestion that the players lacked the desire to reach the World Cup remains an allegation rather than an established fact.