Onuachu Reacts to Nigeria Missing Out on World Cup

Paul Onuachu has expressed that Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup should not overshadow a team filled with talented players. He believes the Super Eagles can compete with any team globally, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Onuachu spoke ahead of Nigeria’s friendly match against Poland. The team is also set to play against Portugal in their second international friendly after winning the Unity Cup.

He feels the disappointment of not making it to the World Cup but emphasized that the team must look ahead. “Sad we are not going to the World Cup because we have good players, great players, world-class players, but unfortunately we are not going to the World Cup, but it is football,” he told NFF Tv.

“It is always nice to come around the team, meet the boys again, and we are ready, prepared, and we have the quality to play against any team in the world. Hopefully, we are going to show it against Portugal.”

Onuachu’s comments are significant, especially after his personal comeback. He faced challenges at Southampton, scoring only four goals in 36 matches. In 2023, he joined Trabzonspor on loan and quickly regained his form, netting 15 goals in 21 league games.

He later made his move to Trabzonspor permanent and ended the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig season as a joint-top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 30 appearances.

The 29-year-old shared that finding a club that understood his style of play was crucial for his comeback. “When you are in a team that plays to your strength, who knows your quality, everything will always work out,” he said.

“I knew what the team wanted, what the city wanted.” He also mentioned making a public promise to Trabzonspor’s fans before his permanent transfer. “Even before I made the transfer, I made a video for the fans and told them I was coming back stronger and better, that we had unfinished business from my loan spell.

“I think I fulfilled what I said. So, I was good.”