Kalika, speaking amid growing uncertainty over Nigeria’s qualification prospects, argued that the Super Eagles’ non-participation would negatively affect the global spectacle of the World Cup, comparing the team’s influence to that of traditional heavyweights such as Brazil and Spain.
According to him, Nigeria’s squad boasts players who feature prominently at top European clubs and consistently deliver entertaining football on the world’s biggest stage. Their absence, he said, would deprive fans of elite talent and excitement.
“These players play in top European clubs and are always a joy to watch together on the biggest football stage, the World Cup,” Kalika told Complete Sports. “Not being at the World Cup is like covering their talents with a stone, so the world can’t see them.”
He added that Nigeria’s absence would go beyond sporting implications, warning of broader effects on the tournament’s attractiveness and marketability.
“Nigeria is like Brazil and Spain. Not seeing them at the World Cup affects the competition commercially and makes the game look boring,” he said.
Kalika stressed that, given the depth of talent available to the Super Eagles, qualification for the World Cup should be a minimum expectation rather than a struggle.
“Nigeria has the players and should always be there,” he added.
Nigeria last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar after failing to qualify. With the 2026 tournament set to expand to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, pressure continues to mount on the Super Eagles to return to the global stage.