‘It was disastrous’ — Chukwueze explains reason for Super Eagles World Cup failure

Samuel Chukwueze has opened up on Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, describing the experience as “disastrous” and insisting the team’s failure had nothing to do with a lack of talent.

The Fulham winger, on loan from AC Milan, stressed that the Super Eagles were the better team on paper but were undone by misfortune, injuries and Congo’s remarkable resilience.

Reflecting on the tense 1-1 draw and subsequent 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo, Chukwueze admitted the defeat was extremely difficult to process.

“For tonight, it was a disastrous and hard-to-accept night. We will come back stronger and more mature,” he said, acknowledging the emotional toll of the elimination.

The Fulham winger rejected the idea that Nigeria lacked the quality needed to progress, insisting the Super Eagles remain superior on paper. “Regarding the talents, it’s not a question of quality: we have a very talented team, perhaps even more so than that of Congo. But football is cruel.”

The winger also praised the Leopards for their discipline and efficiency on the night. “Bravo to our opponent, who was impenetrable across all lines… They accomplished their mission. Congratulations and good luck for the rest. I ask forgiveness from our people,” Chukwueze added.

Nigeria’s early dominance, capped by Frank Onyeka’s third-minute opener, slowly faded as DR Congo grew into the match.

The loss of Victor Osimhen at halftime and Ademola Lookman early in the second half significantly reduced Nigeria’s attacking spark. Chukwueze himself lasted only an hour before being substituted.

Eric Chelle’s modified 4-4-2, with Chukwueze and Lookman drifting inside, helped Nigeria control midfield initially but left the flanks vulnerable. DR Congo repeatedly exploited space around 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, stretching the Nigerian defence and disrupting their rhythm.

Substitutes Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon struggled to restore width, leaving Nigeria predictable in possession. Extra time produced little threat from either side, and once penalties arrived, the momentum had already shifted.

With Nigeria missing three spot-kicks, Congo seized their moment, condemning the Super Eagles to their second consecutive World Cup absence, their longest drought in nearly four decades.