Former Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins has expressed his happiness regarding the Super Eagles’ recent progress under head coach Eric Chelle, while also lamenting the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old, who has earned 42 caps and scored 18 goals for Nigeria, articulated his mixed feelings in a recent interview.
Speaking to New Telegraph, Martins praised the introduction of new players in the squad, highlighting that many have delivered encouraging performances in recent matches. He acknowledged the significant strides the team has made but noted that the excitement is tempered by their World Cup absence.
Martins emphasized the impressive form of the current players, which he feels makes the missed opportunity to compete at the World Cup even more painful. He urged the team to unite and focus on improving their performance for future competitions.
He said: “We have to work and see how it goes at the end. I’m so happy for the new invitees because they all gave a good account of themselves and I think they played quite well and I’m proud of that.
“The current form of our players all round is very impressive and this makes the World Cup absence so painful.
“That Nigeria is not going to the World Cup I’m not happy about that. I’m a fan even though I used to play for Super Eagles, I’m a fan and I think they should gather themselves together and try to play as a team and prepare for the World Cup.”