Former top-flight manager Rafa Benítez has declared that the 2026 World Cup will feel incomplete without the presence of Nigeria's Victor Osimhen — one of world football's most electrifying strikers — after the Super Eagles failed to secure a place at the tournament.

Nigeria endured a turbulent qualifying campaign, dropping vital points across several key fixtures during both the group stage and the final qualifying rounds. Unable to finish in an automatic qualification spot, the Super Eagles were then eliminated through the playoff system, ruling them out of the global showpiece entirely.

In an interview with La Gazzetta, Benítez expressed genuine regret at the absence of elite attackers like Osimhen from the tournament stage.