Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has opened up about the heartbreak within the Nigerian squad following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria fell to DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final, ending their hopes of appearing at the expanded 48-team tournament. Onyeka, speaking at the Casablanca Airport after the match, admitted that the emotion within the team mirrors the disappointment felt across the country.

British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who met with the Brentford midfielder, shared Onyeka’s candid reflections on X.

“We, the players, are hurting just as much as Nigerians are hurting. Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us,” Onyeka said.

He went on to underline the harsh reality many of the players are facing:

“It is very tough not to go to the next FIFA World Cup. Some of us may not be around in five years, in 2030. It’s painful.”

Nigeria’s exit came after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time, followed by another grueling 120 minutes — the team’s second extended match in just three days. The game then went to penalties, where the Super Eagles missed three attempts. Notably, some of the team’s most reliable penalty takers, including William Troost-Ekong, remained on the bench.

DR Congo showed sharper intent, even swapping out their first-choice goalkeeper to boost their chances, and eventually sealed a 4-3 victory in the shootout.

Despite the devastating loss, Onyeka urged focus on what comes next.

“We have an AFCON to play in 34 days and we need to get ready for that and do better than we did last time,” he added.

For now, the Super Eagles must regroup, rebuild, and redirect their energy toward the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations — a chance to restore national pride after a painful World Cup setback.