'Some of us won't be around in 2030' - Onyeka reacts to Super Eagles' painful loss to Leopards

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has opened up on the emotional toll of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, admitting the players are 'hurting' just as deeply as the fans.

British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana shared the midfielder’s reaction on his X handle after meeting him at Casablanca Airport, following Nigeria’s loss at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

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

"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. But 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.”

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes came to an end on Sunday night after a tense contest against DR Congo. 

The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout that saw the Super Eagles miss three spot-kicks.

DR Congo converted four to claim a 4-3 shootout victory and secure their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wale Adejumo

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