Nigeria’s shock exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has triggered a wave of anger and disappointment across the country, and leading the charge is popular comedian Richard Ayodeji Makun, widely known as AY (@aycomedian).
Softfootball understands that In an emotional video that has spread like wildfire on social media, AY voiced what many Nigerians felt in their chest: pure frustration.
Nigeria fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo after a 1–1 draw in Rabat, and AY did not hold back. He aimed his message directly at the Super Eagles, calling the performance a “national embarrassment” and stressing that the team seemed to fall apart the moment Victor Osimhen was substituted.
He lamented:
It’s a shame. Big shame. Shame. Big shame. Even with referee, everybody try to help una. Big shame. It’s a big shame to the Super Eagles
AY lamented, switching between English and Nigerian Pidgin.
He said:
What you people have proven to us is that without Victor Osimhen, no Super Eagles. The other day I dey praise Osimhen, people dey attack me. Well, he commot… he commot for field, full game change. Full game change. Go back to your clubs.
Watch the video below:
The honesty, or maybe the harshness, struck a nerve online. Fans reacted instantly, many echoing his disappointment, others adding their own sting.
Kiddwaya (@kiddwaya) wrote:
Ah. This shame enter me join.
odoz_nuei (@odoz_nuei) questioned the team entirely:
Team wey wan play World Cup wey no fit play without Osimhen, that one na team??
dashingbosco (@dashingbosco) went straight for the bench:
The Coach couldn’t even select good players for penalty.
Some comments were more about Nigeria’s bigger issues.
slm_669990 (@slm_669990) bluntly declared:
We don’t need World Cup, make we fix our country.
Others took a lighter, almost helpless tone.
danielkdaniel (@danielkdaniel) joked:
All Nigerians have to support a 2nd team to stay sane, let’s all choose our worldcup team to support abeg.
iam_chuksfrank (@iam_chuksfrank) added:
E better say they quick comot, no be me una go disgrace.
The reactions kept rolling in. ziontm_ (@ziontm_) complained about selection bias, while ksolo_hitz (@ksolo_hitz) summarised the mood:.
Zion complained:
A very big one , we have good players in Nigeria but if you nor know person when know person you aren’t going to play in national team
Ksolo Hit said:
Dey play like people wey no get zeal for the game.
With emotions running high, AY’s comments have become the loudest voice in a chorus of national frustration. Whether it sparks change or just fuels more debate, one thing is sure: Nigerians are not taking this World Cup failure quietly.
