'They didn't want to go' - Russian-born Nigerian striker insists Super Eagles had enough talent to qualify for WC

Dual-national striker German Onugkha has questioned the mentality of the Super Eagles players following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Born in the Russian capital Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, the Rodina Moscow forward is open to representing the Super Eagles, and rejected a call-up to the Russia squad for a pair of friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam in September 2024.

Nigeria missed out on the expanded 48-team Fifa World Cup after suffering a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final.

Had the Super Eagles beaten the Leopards, the three-time African champions would have advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they could have faced Jamaica for a place at the tournament.

Onugkha argued that Nigeria had more than enough quality to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and suggested that a lack of motivation among the players was a major factor behind the setback.

When asked whether he supports the Nigerian national team, Onugkha told Match TV: "Yes, it was disappointing that they didn't qualify for the World Cup.

"But people don't want to play there. You look at their roster—with players like that, it's impossible not to qualify for the World Cup.

"They have a roster worth half a billion dollars, and they didn't qualify. My opinion is that they didn't want to go. They'd rather spend six weeks on vacation than go to a tournament."

Prior to his summer switch to Rodina Moscow, Onugkha represented relegated Turkish Süper Lig outfit Kayserispor, where he faced Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen last season.

The  30-year-old recalled watching Osimhen in action for Galatasaray against his side, highlighting the forward's impressive performance as evidence of his ability.

"I think they already have a lot of money. It won't do Osimhen any good. It's immediately obvious you don't understand the Nigerian mentality (laughs).

"There's just no motivation, that's all. I remember Osimhen playing against us for Galatasaray.

"He'd scored two goals by the 20th minute; he was a beast! And then I look at the World Cup qualifiers—it's clear he doesn't want to play."

When asked to name the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time, Onugkha picked three-time World Cupper Austin Okocha.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel