Aluko: Super Eagles Missed World Cup Due to Poor Performance, Not Bonus Strike

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Former England international Eniola Aluko says the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup because they simply “were not good enough” against DR Congo. She noted the squad had boycotted a training session in Morocco over unpaid bonuses just before the Gabon semi-final. Despite resolving the dispute, Nigeria edged Gabon in extra time but fell to DR Congo on penalties in the final. Aluko insisted the strike was a distraction but not the main reason for elimination. “Going on strike is not why we lost,” she said, though she agreed the timing was poor. She urged the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure timely payments so players stay focused on the pitch.

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