Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup race after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo on Sunday.
The playoff clash ended in a draw after regulation time, but the Congolese side prevailed during the penalty decider, sealing Nigeria’s fate and dashing the country’s hopes of making it to the global tournament.
But beyond the loss itself, what has dominated online conversations is the wave of backlash that hit the Super Eagles’ official X handle shortly after the game.
Moments after the final whistle, the team posted a short message: “Together we stand strong.”
Instead of rallying behind the squad, thousands of Nigerians stormed the comment section almost immediately and the reactions were far from supportive. Many expressed frustration, disappointment, and outright anger over the team’s performance, insisting they no longer “stand together” with the Super Eagles.
While some fans urged the team to “do better,” others accused the players of lacking determination, calling the post “tone-deaf” in the face of a painful elimination.
The comment section quickly turned into a flood of criticism, memes, and emotional reactions, reflecting the heartbreak of millions of Nigerians who had hoped for a World Cup comeback.
Read some netizens’ reactions below;
@Danielregha: Stand on your own first….
@Yasiradam: Stand strong together with players like this Tolu guy? Abeg go rest
@sundowns: For a footballing nation that consistently brags about their European exports you should consider swallowing your pride and asking South Africa for advice on how to nurture homegrown talent!
@oluwatimileyin: I just wan know how much una pay for this super eagles name cos we no Dey fly anything o. Na super yogo una suppose Dey use
@anyafulugo: You and who dey stand together?
As the dust settles, the Super Eagles now face not only the reality of missing the 2026 World Cup, but also the heavy task of rebuilding public trust ahead of future competitions.
