ýýIgeria international Victor Osimhen has been identified as one of the biggest absentees from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez expressing disappointment that the Super Eagles forward will not feature at the tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
ýýOsimhen’s absence follows Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Mundial after falling short in the CAF qualification campaign. The Super Eagles narrowly missed automatic qualification before eventually losing to DR Congo on penalties in the playoff final, extending their World Cup absence after also missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
ýýThe setback means Osimhen, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top forwards and currently enjoying one of the best periods of his career, will have to wait until at least 2030 for a potential World Cup debut.
ýýSpeaking to La Gazzetta, Benitez listed Osimhen among the elite players he wished would be part of the tournament.
ýý’First, Kvaratskhelia… and then Osimhen too-not only because Napoli means a lot to me. I would also include Zielinski and Lewandowski,’ Benitez said.
ýýThe Spanish tactician also named France, Spain, Germany, and England among his leading contenders to win the competition, highlighting their squad depth and quality.
ýOsimhen’s omission remains one of the tournament’s major talking points, with many fans believing the Galatasaray striker’s presence would have added even more quality and excitement to football’s biggest stage.