Former Nigeria midfielder Moses Kpakor in an exclusive interview with Footy-Afruca has expressed mixed feelings over the Super Eagles’ upcoming schedule, welcoming the planned friendly matches while still disappointed that the team will miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation recently confirmed a series of games for the Super Eagles, including participation in the Unity Cup, set to take place at Charlton Athletic’s stadium, The Valley, from May 26 to May 30.
The mini-tournament is expected to feature Jamaica—whom Nigeria defeated to win the last edition—alongside Zimbabwe and India. In June, the Super Eagles will also face Poland on June 3 before taking on World Cup-bound Portugal a week later, offering stern tests for the team.
The #SuperEagles are set to face Poland and Portugal this summer! pic.twitter.com/RDPzaJ4EfR
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) April 2, 2026
Kpakor, who represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, believes the fixtures will provide some consolation after the disappointment of missing out on the global showpiece.
“Like a lot of Nigerians, I am not happy the Super Eagles will not be at the World Cup this year, and it hurts me a lot,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa. “This is the second time in a row that we will not be making it to the biggest football competition in the world. A country like Nigeria should be there competing with the best.”
“However, when I saw the games lined up for the team just before the tournament, it eased the pain a bit. Playing Portugal and Poland in June, for me, is like a mini World Cup in itself. I think the last time we played Portugal, we lost 4-0, so this will be a good test for the boys. Poland are also a very strong side.”
He also welcomed the return of the Unity Cup, describing it as an bonus for fans and players alike.
“There is the added excitement of the Unity Cup, so I am really looking forward to those games, even though I would have preferred to see us at the World Cup,” the former BCC Lions captain added.
Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup on May 27 at The Valley. A win would see them take on either Jamaica or India in the final on May 30.
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Their June fixtures begin with the clash against Poland at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue on June 3, before rounding off with a high-profile encounter against Portugal on June 10.
