Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has admitted the disappointment of Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying most members of the current squad are unlikely to still be part of the team when the tournament returns in 2030.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Simon, who turned 31 on Sunday, will be 35 by the time the next World Cup is staged. The Paris FC winger is yet to feature at football's biggest tournament, having missed Nigeria's final squad for the 2018 edition in Russia, while the Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
Several key members of the current squad, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen, will also be well into their 30s by 2030, making a significant squad transition likely before then.
Speaking to Urban Dwell Sport, Simon said the squad remains deeply hurt by the failure to qualify but believes a new generation of players will be ready to carry Nigeria forward.
"The players care about the World Cup more than anyone. They want to go to the World Cup. Even if they don't make the team, they want their friends to go to the World Cup," Simon said.
"They have feelings, but you can't tell them not to eat because of those feelings. Life goes on, and we have to keep working and prepare for the future."
Simon added that while the current generation is disappointed to have missed another World Cup, the focus must now shift to rebuilding a competitive squad capable of qualifying for future tournaments.
