As the countdown to the next FIFA World Cup continues, former Super Eagles defender Efetobore Sodje has admitted that Nigeria’s absence from the global showpiece will become even more painful once the tournament kicks off.
With just a few months to go before the world gathers for football’s biggest spectacle, the reality of Nigeria not being part of it is beginning to sink in — and for Sodje, it represents a massive disappointment given the quality within the current squad.
“We have the players,” he stressed, pointing out that Nigeria has recently produced some of Africa’s finest talents, including winners of the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award. In his view, a nation with such pedigree and depth should not be watching from the sidelines.
The former defender suggested that expectations were high, and rightly so, but the team ultimately fell short when it mattered most. Now, as the tournament approaches, the absence will serve as a constant reminder of what could have been.
Beyond the collective disappointment, Sodje also took time to defend one of Nigeria’s biggest stars, Victor Osimhen, who has faced criticism for continuing his career with Galatasaray.
Despite questions from some quarters about his decision to remain in Turkey, Sodje firmly backed the striker, insisting that Osimhen should continue giving his best wherever he plays. He dismissed the criticism as unnecessary, arguing that a player’s commitment and performance matter more than the league they feature in.
“Let him keep doing what he’s doing,” Sodje implied, emphasizing that Osimhen’s professionalism and work ethic should be the focus rather than his club choice.
For Nigerian fans, the conversation reflects a mix of frustration and hope, frustration at missing out on the World Cup, and hope that the current generation can regroup and come back stronger.
As the tournament draws nearer, the spotlight will not only be on those competing but also on nations like Nigeria, left to reflect on missed opportunities.
And as Sodje suggests, the real pain is yet to come, when the world is watching, and Nigeria is not part of it.
