Sagna Shocked by Nigeria's Absence from World Cup

Bacary Sagna, a former defender for Manchester City and Arsenal, expressed his shock regarding Nigeria's absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a media roundtable with SuperSport. He noted that Nigeria, as a significant African football nation, failing to qualify for two consecutive World Cups was surprising.

Sagna mentioned that despite the talent of players like Alex Iwobi, individual skill alone cannot guarantee qualification. He urged fans to remain supportive of the players during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of fan support in influencing team performance.

Sagna also reflected on the growth of African football, citing Morocco's recent successes as a result of investments in youth football, particularly through the Mohammed VI Football Academy established in 2009-2010. He believes that for African nations to compete at the highest levels, proper infrastructure and financial backing are essential.

Despite France's narrow victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16, Sagna considers them favorites to win the World Cup, citing their tradition and competitive spirit.