Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has described the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup as a very big absence.
The Eagles lost to bitter rivals Black Stars of Ghana in the playoffs back in March.
After a goalless draw in the first-leg in Kumasi, the Black Stars held the Eagles to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in Abuja.
And in a telephone chat with popular Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, Blatter expressed his disappointment that the Eagles failed to qualify.
“I have to tell you that I am very disappointed that the Super Eagles are not at the Qatar 2022 World Cup,” Blatter said.
“How can a big country like Nigeria not be in Qatar? It is a very big absence. I am not happy at all about this.”
Also Read: ‘How Super Eagles Can Become AFCON Champions Again’ —Peseiro
On the quality of football at this year’s World Cup, Blatter said:“The football is not extraordinary. But it is certainly not bad football. Teams from CAF and CONMEBOL can play at any time of the year. This is not so for the UEFA teams.”
The Swiss berated Europeans countries for their criticism of the timing of the Qatar World Cup.
He added:“The FIFA World Cup is not the privilege of the Northern Hemisphere. We should not stick to a June/July World Cup calendar because of Europe. The World Cup does not belong to Europe.
“They (UEFA) need to adapt to the realities of the present and not think that they are entitled to have everything. There is pressure from new countries to change things, especially the Arab countries. And they have the economic power [to push their agenda].
“Football has two billion followers and the game has to be played within the geo-political structures of our world.”
12 Comments
We Nigerian are not moved by this sweet talk by Blatter what has Nigeri contributed in men’s football at the world cup level that has made them to be felt. We in Nigeria knew this was coming and was even long due. Blatter enjoy and give Morocco the need support they are more than what Nigeria can give you. Having played more than 14 hours of football they only conceded one own goal.
If they had just allow GENERAL ROAH to continue SEPP BLATTER wouldn’t have been DISAPPOINTED the way he is right now..
SMH…
Nigeria is not a performer at big stages. An olympic medal is all they have. At age grade we all know why Nigeria have been successful. With teenagers and youngsters leading the way, and with analytics dictating footballing strategy its going to be the end of Nigerian football, sadly.
The best countries qualified for the mundial.
ABEGI!!!
A big country like Nigeria. I guess we were too big to fit into the plane going to Qatar. We need to lose weight.
IT IS A BIG SHAME FOR SUPER EAGLE PLAYERS. IT IS DUE TO THEIR LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE ON THE FIELD OF PLAY BY PLAYING LIKE CHICKEN ON THE FIELD. DON’T PLAY WITH FULL DETERMINATION AND SERIOUSNESS.
BY GOD’S GRACE THEY WILL REAP THEIR CONSEQUENCE BY MAKING THEIR MARKET VALUE TO BE DE,,,,,.
Yes…. Nigeria is big and that’s true. When he said that, he didn’t just mean the on-field play, there are so many off-field raves Nigeria generates, and if you don’t know that, that’s your problem. Every teams at some time go through this phase we are now…..and without doubt Nigeria football will be great again.
There is no country in the world that is not big to it’s own citizens. No be for mouth. This is a football website. If you want to show yourself as a big footballing nation, show it on the pitch! If you don’t realize this simple fact, that is your problem.
What’s Nigeria’s impact on the world cup. Not even a quarter final participation. Some African countries have played the quarter finals and now semi finals
Countries have to earn their presence at the World Cup on merit.Nigeria does not deserve to be there.
Bad administration, wrong playeres, bad league and horrible coaches how do you expect Nigeria to qualifly
Ako Amdi you do not know Nigeria well, you are igonrant of Nigeria has done for Africa, Nigeria has got tow juvnile World Cup, Olympic Medal in Atalanta 96 in USA after that many African players have been demanded to join big clubs in Europe look at Alnyabet has joined Spain club Deportivo La coruna, Ghanian player has joined Bayern Munchen , Samuel Et’to has joined Real Madrid youth team, Song has joined Liverpool, Etami has joined Chelsea,and so on many players from Africa this cause of SE olympic team has left Africa voice higher and higher…
you are deceiving ypur self with this kind of comment.wake up sir