Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been named in a star-studded Best XI of players whose countries failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The list, compiled by British newspaper The Guardian, features some of the biggest names in world football who will miss the tournament despite enjoying impressive seasons at club and international levels.
Osimhen and Lookman were included alongside players such as Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The inclusion of the Nigerian duo highlights the disappointment surrounding the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a place at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Osimhen’s Absence a Major Blow
Osimhen, regarded as one of the most prolific strikers in world football, was selected as the team’s centre-forward after another productive campaign.
The former African Player of the Year scored eight goals during Nigeria’s qualification campaign but was unable to prevent the Super Eagles from missing out on a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
According to The Guardian, the striker’s injury-enforced absence from five qualifying matches may have contributed to Nigeria’s struggles, as the team dropped points in all five games.
Currently leading the attack for Turkish champions Galatasaray, Osimhen remains one of the most feared forwards in European football due to his pace, aerial strength and clinical finishing.
Lookman Rewarded for Outstanding Form
Lookman was named on the left wing after a series of standout performances for both club and country.
The Atletico Madrid forward gained global attention in 2024 when he scored a memorable hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, helping the former club Atalanta secure their first European title.
He also impressed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing three goals and four assists as Nigeria reached the latter stages of the competition.
Now playing for Atlético Madrid, the winger has continued to showcase the pace, creativity and finishing ability that have made him one of Africa’s most exciting attacking talents.
Donnarumma Leads Star-Studded Team
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma captained the side, while Venezuela’s Jon Aramburu, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba, Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori and Hungary’s Milos Kerkez formed the defence.
The midfield featured Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba, Chile’s Marcelino Núñez and Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai.
Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completed the attacking trio alongside Lookman and Osimhen.
Several other notable players who narrowly missed the starting XI included Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo, Denmark’s Christian Eriksen and Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The selection serves as a reminder of the quality of talent that will be absent from football’s biggest stage when the World Cup kicks off, with Nigeria among the notable nations left to watch from afar.