Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has spoken out about his disappointment after being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. The 27-year-old, who has been in strong form for his Bundesliga club Augsburg, was initially included in the provisional squad but was ultimately dropped from the final list. Onyeka’s exclusion has raised questions, especially given his impressive performances in the Bundesliga, where he has become a key player for Augsburg this season. In a recent interview, Onyeka expressed his sadness over the decision but remains hopeful for a return to the national team in future fixtures.
Onyeka’s Impressive Season with Augsburg
Frank Onyeka’s move to Augsburg on loan from Brentford last summer has proved to be a successful one. The Nigerian midfielder has enjoyed a solid campaign, with two assists in 28 appearances. His contributions have been crucial in helping Augsburg secure an 11th-place position in the Bundesliga. Onyeka’s consistency and high-intensity performances have made him a regular in the starting lineup, cementing his place as an important figure in the team.
Despite his strong form at the club level, Frank Onyeka’s omission from Nigeria’s final squad for the March World Cup Qualifiers was a disappointment. The Super Eagles secured four points from their matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, but Onyeka was left out of the action, which clearly affected him emotionally.
Onyeka’s Reaction to Missing Out on the Squad
In an interview with Oma Akatugba, Onyeka shared his feelings about not being called up to represent Nigeria in the crucial World Cup Qualifiers.
“I was quite sad about it, but the coach knows best, he knows what players he wants to use,” Onyeka admitted. While he respected the coach’s decision, the midfielder couldn’t hide his disappointment at missing out on such important games.
Despite the setback, Onyeka remains hopeful for the future. “But hopefully in the next couple of games I’ll be available. I’m always available, so hopefully I’ll be with the team,” he added, indicating his readiness and willingness to play for the Super Eagles whenever called upon.
Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifying Struggles
Nigeria’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers has not gone as planned, with the team currently sitting in fourth place in Group C. The Super Eagles are six points behind South Africa, the group leaders, and their chances of qualifying for a second consecutive World Cup appear to be in jeopardy. Despite this, Onyeka remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.
“We are in a difficult situation, but there’s still a chance for us, we just need to win our next four games and hopefully we’ll qualify,” Onyeka said. His positive outlook reflects the belief that Nigeria can still turn their fortunes around with a strong finish to the qualifying campaign.
Why Onyeka Could Be Crucial for Nigeria’s Midfield
Onyeka’s absence from the squad in March was particularly noticeable during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles lacked a player with the same high-intensity, box-to-box qualities that Onyeka brings to the table. A player like Onyeka could have been crucial in the midfield, helping to control the game and offer more stability in the center of the park.
His ability to break up play and transition the ball quickly would have added much-needed balance, especially in a game where Nigeria struggled to dominate. As the Super Eagles gear up for their next set of qualifiers, Onyeka’s return could provide the team with a much-needed boost, strengthening the midfield and improving their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Onyeka’s Path Back to the Super Eagles
Given Onyeka’s performances at club level, it is highly likely that he will be called up to the national team again in the near future. His exclusion in March was a temporary setback, and with his current form, there’s little doubt that the Super Eagles will want him back in the fold for upcoming qualifiers.
The Nigerian midfielder remains committed to the national team and is hopeful that his good performances for Augsburg will earn him a place in the squad for future fixtures. With the World Cup qualifiers still ongoing, Onyeka’s inclusion could make all the difference in Nigeria’s bid to secure a spot in the tournament.
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Conclusion
Frank Onyeka’s exclusion from Nigeria’s squad for the March 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was a disappointment for the player, but he remains optimistic about his future with the Super Eagles. Despite his strong form at Augsburg, Onyeka understands the coach’s decision and is hopeful for a return to the national team in upcoming matches. With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, Onyeka’s high-intensity, midfield presence could be the key to helping the Super Eagles secure the points they need to advance.
