Nigerian football fans have largely dismissed the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday, saying the result means little given the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria, who missed out on the tournament after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final in Morocco last November, face the prospect of a second consecutive World Cup absence, with the intercontinental play-offs having commenced without them.
While coach Eric Chelle’s side earned a morale-boosting win through goals by Moses Simon and Akor Adams, many supporters on the social media platform X were in no mood to celebrate.
Prince Ewa wrote, “The winning is of no use. When we needed you guys to win and qualify for the World Cup, some players were playing as if they were playing to impress their girlfriends.”
@PoundzFlashy echoed the sentiment bluntly, writing, “You should be preparing to play this year’s World Cup, not this nonsense game una go play.”
@wrldbright96 added, “You should have just qualified for the World Cup, bro, the winning is of no use to us.”
Aliyu Abdullahi questioned the team’s priorities, writing, “You just defeated a country that is at war. You guys are not serious. What stopped you from going to the World Cup?”
