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 be part of the team by the time the tournament returns in 2030.

The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Simon, who clocked 31 on Sunday, will be 35 by the time the next World Cup is played. The Paris FC winger has never featured at the tournament, having missed out on Nigeria’s final squad for the 2018 edition in Russia, while the Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.

Other key members of the current squad, including captain Wilfred Ndidi (29), Alex Iwobi (30) and Victor Osimhen (27), will also be in their 30s by 2030.

Speaking to Urban Dwell Sport, Simon said the pain of missing the World Cup is deeply felt within the squad but believes a new generation of players will be ready to take over.

“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.’’

They have feelings, but you can’t tell them not to eat because of the feeling.

“Sorry to say, about 90 or 95 per cent of the players in the current team, they’re watching. I don’t think they will play the next World Cup because the young players are coming up. Eric Chelle is building a new team, a strong team for the nation, which is really good for everyone.

“So possibly, in 2030, most of us will be supporters, supporting the mission.”

Despite accepting that he may never realise his World Cup dream as a player, Simon remains optimistic that the next generation will carry Nigeria’s hopes.

“My father didn’t dream of playing football, but I am playing. If I don’t play at the World Cup, my son will. If my son doesn’t, I have players in the academy who will.”

One of the young players who could fulfil that ambition is defender Benjamin Frederick, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects since announcing himself with impressive performances at the Unity Cup last year under Eric Chelle.