Former Liverpool FC and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez has disclosed that the 2026 World Cup is incomplete without Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.
Recall that Nigeria suffered several setbacks during the group stages and final qualifying rounds of the 2026 World Cup, dropping points in crucial fixtures.
Ultimately, the team fell short of the top spot required for automatic qualification and could not navigate the treacherous playoff system, leading to their absence from the tournament.
The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify—after falling to DR Congo in a penalty shootout during the decisive playoff—means football fans will miss out on the Galatasaray striker’s explosive pace, raw athleticism, and clinical finishing on the global stage.
In an interview with La Gazzetta, Benítez expressed regret that top-tier talents like the former Lille forward are missing out on the tournament, as Nigeria failed to qualify for the global stage.
Benitez stated, “Kvaratskhelia is the easiest choice, followed by Osimhen, not just because of my fondness for Napoli. I must also include Zieliński and Lewandowski, who is one of the greatest players of all time.” “And then Osimhen too, and not just because Napoli holds a special place in my heart. But I must also add Zieliński and Lewandowski, one of the greatest ever.”
Benítez also tipped France as his favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, while placing Spain and England among the top contenders.
He noted that France’s incredible squad depth and physical profile make them the team to beat.
“France possesses an impressive array of talent; they’ve even had to leave some players at home, which is astonishing: Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Thuram, Olise, and Mbappé.
“Then there’s Spain, for similar reasons, because they have Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, alongside a fabulous midfield with Pedri and Rodri. You can’t ignore Germany, because history counts, and certainly not England with Bellingham or Saka, Gordon, or Rice.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
