Nigerian football fans have attacked the Super Eagles on social media after the team's official X account congratulated Spain on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup and posted "See you in 2030." The message, released shortly after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, sparked thousands of replies questioning whether Nigeria would even make it to the tournament.
"Congratulations to Spain on winning the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup. See you in 2030," the Super Eagles wrote on the platform.
The post quickly drew sarcasm from supporters pointing to Nigeria's poor record in World Cup qualification.
X user @lordshills responded with: "Like say you go qualify abeg find chair go sit down." Another fan, @Jadash_jnr, wrote: "No be by see you in 2030, make una try qualify even though Na through window make una go that world cup o."
@_darkguycosta added: "2030 wey you fit no qualify and make us dey use calculator." The user @badasskachii referenced Nigeria's pattern of qualification troubles, saying: "Wey be say during qualifiers we go start dey do permutations again."
@Ayeri02 pointed out a broader issue, remarking: "Una own no pass to congratulate who win World Cup, dem no deh ever congratulate una." @Joseph_O_E threatened: "Omo, if una no qualify for the next one, we go cause problem for NFF o."
Some fans, however, urged the team to concentrate on improvement instead of reacting to backlash. @bankofphemmy said: "Not by mouth o. We need to start grinding now before qualification games will commence.
Winning AFCON will pacify our non appearance at the World Cup."
@KingDrizzy00 expressed confidence in the squad, writing: "I believe you guys would be the ones to collect the trophy from Spain… But please keep this squad, coach and just do the right things just like Spain. We would meet them in the final and win them to get the World Cup to Africa."
Nigeria's absence from the 2026 tournament extends a painful drought after the team finished second to South Africa in their qualifying group. The country has now missed two consecutive World Cups following their failure to reach Qatar 2022.
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title when Ferran Torres netted in extra time during Sunday's final against defending champions Argentina. The victory capped La Roja's dominant campaign in the tournament.
