Former Nigerian striker Julius Aghahowa has leapt to the defence of Super Eagles players, saying they feel the pain of the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup than anyone else.
Aghahowa urged Nigerians to resist the urge for blame and panic, insisting that the country’s latest setback must become the start of a long-overdue rebuilding process rather than another round of emotional firefighting.
The ex-attacker who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, said the 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo should be treated as a painful wake-up call, not because the Eagles lacked talent, but because the nation has repeatedly failed to plan properly for major tournaments.
“This is a chance to reset, not a time to tear everything apart.”
According to the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward, Nigeria now has the rare luxury of time on its side. With the next World Cup cycle still years away, he argued that the NFF and technical leadership must immediately begin a well-structured, long-term programme rather than waiting until the final year — the pattern he says has doomed Nigeria in the past.
“We often start preparing when it is already too late,” he noted. “This time, there is no excuse.”
Aghahowa said the playoff defeat should not overshadow the flashes of quality, resilience, and depth shown during the campaign, especially under pressure. Instead, he believes the focus must shift to evaluating coaching methods, player selection patterns, youth integration, tactical evolution, and proper administrative support.
He warned that Nigerians often expect instant miracles, but true progress requires time, consistency, and patience.
He also highlighted the emotional impact the failure will have on the players, urging fans to recognise the hurt within the squad rather than directing anger at them. “They wanted to be at the World Cup as much as the fans did,” he said.
“No one feels this pain more deeply than the players themselves.”
For Aghahowa, this disappointing exit could either mark another cycle of chaos — or the moment Nigeria finally embraces proper planning and begins building a Super Eagles team ready to dominate Africa again.
