Kadiri Ikhana, a former Nigeria international and one of the country's most decorated club coaches, has opened up about the shame he feels watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the Super Eagles among the competing nations.

The 74-year-old, who was named CAF Coach of the Year in 2003, told Completesports.com that Nigeria's second consecutive absence from football's biggest stage is a painful reminder of the country's failure to match its talent with the required seriousness.