Onuachu Reflects on Nigeria Missing the World Cup

Paul Onuachu says Nigeria not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup should not define the team. He believes the Super Eagles have players who can compete with anyone in the world, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Onuachu spoke before the team’s friendly match against Poland. Nigeria is also set to face Portugal in another international friendly after winning the Unity Cup.

Onuachu feels the disappointment of missing the tournament but says football requires the team to move on.

“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 mean a lot, especially after his own comeback. After struggling at Southampton, where he scored just four goals in 36 games, he joined Trabzonspor on loan in 2023. There, he quickly regained his form, netting 15 goals in 21 league matches.

He has since made his move to Trabzonspor permanent and ended the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig season as a joint-top scorer. He won the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 30 matches.

The 29-year-old said finding a club that understood his style was key to his success.

“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 shared that he made a promise to Trabzonspor’s fans before his permanent signing. “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.”