Super Eagles’ Defeat Still Hurts: I’m Ashamed Watching the 2026 World Cup – Ikhana

Former Nigeria international and coach Kadiri Ikhana says he feels ashamed watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in Mexico, the United States and Canada while the Super Eagles remain absent from football’s biggest stage, Completesports.com reports.

The 74‑year‑old CAF Coach of the Year (2003) lamented Nigeria’s failure to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, describing it as a painful reflection of the country’s lack of seriousness despite possessing superior talent to several teams currently competing at the tournament.

Kadiri Ikhana

Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com, the former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach also expressed admiration for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, praising the Malian tactician’s impressive record and the team’s improved style of play under his leadership.

Super Eagles’ World Cup Absence Still Hurts

“I feel ashamed watching the World Cup. Yes, I’m ashamed watching countries that are not up to the Super Eagles’ level playing at the World Cup while we sit back at home glued to our television sets watching,” Ikhana said in an embittered tone during an exclusive interview with Completesports.com.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Super Eagles Unity Cup Triumph Sweet, But World Cup Absence Still Hurts — Bonfrere

“Look at South Africa. What is special about their team that they are playing in the World Cup? Or Cape Verde? This is self‑inflicted pain because we didn’t show seriousness when we ought to have done so.

In a continent that produced 10 teams, Nigeria could not qualify. And this is the second time in a row that the Super Eagles are missing the World Cup finals.”

Ikhana Admires Chelle’s Work

Regarded as one of Nigeria’s most successful and decorated coaches, Ikhana, who won NPFL titles with two different clubs as a coach – Enyimba (2005) and Kano Pillars (2008) – told Completesports.com that he has become a strong admirer of Eric Chelle because of the progress recorded since he took charge of the national team.

Chelle has overseen the Super Eagles through 25 matches across competitions, suffering only two defeats.

“I didn’t like him before, but now I’m fully in support of him. Two defeats in 25 games is not a poor performance, and I think he’s taking the team somewhere big.”

Super Eagles Showing Signs Of A Return To Glory

“If you ask whether the team is heading back to its glory days, I won’t say no because every coach is judged by his team’s performances.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Chelle Reviving Super Eagles’ Glory Days; Gusau’s NFF Leadership On Course — Akwuegbu

“Look at the way the team is playing now — well‑coordinated and enterprising football.

And if a coach loses eight games in 25 matches, he would still be considered to have done well. This man has lost only two in 25 games, which means he is doing very well, and I stand with him.”

Ikhana, who won the 1979 Nigerian top‑flight league title with Bendel Insurance as a player and also lifted the FA Cup in 1978 and 1980 with the Benin Arsenal, concluded.

Sab Osuji

I’m Sab Osuji, a sports journalist with over 35 years working experience. I’ve worked in several media houses, print in particular, and have covered many international engagements, such as CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, All Africa Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, AFCON and World Cup qualifying games amongst other major tournaments.