'Strike not to blame' - Lagos-born England legend reveals why Super Eagles failed to qualify for World Cup

Lagos-born England legend Eniola Aluko has dismissed suggestions that the Super Eagles' strike action was the main reason Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Just two days before their crucial African playoff semifinal against Gabon, the entire Nigeria squad, alongside team officials, boycotted training in Morocco over unresolved bonus and payment issues.

However, the Super Eagles eventually resolved the dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation before taking to the pitch against the Panthers, edging the encounter after extra time.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup were dashed following a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final.

Aluko, who earned over one hundred caps for England's Lionesses before hanging up her boots, insisted that the Super Eagles' players failed to deliver against the Leopards.

"We are not going to the Fifa World Cup because we lost to DR Congo. They were not good enough on the day," Aluko said on ThePlayzone podcast.

The former Chelsea Women forward acknowledged that the timing of the strike was far from ideal, but maintained that it should not be used as an explanation for the disappointing result.

"I agree we should have won, but going on strike is not the reason we lost the game.

"But I think the timing was wrong. I agree if they agree to do that, they are not focusing one hundred percent on what they need to do."

Aluko urged the Nigerian Federation to ensure players and staff are paid promptly in order to avoid similar situations in the future.

"My point is eliminate the chance for any player to do that, and when I say that I'm talking about the Federation and management.

"That's an easy thing. Just pay people on time so they don't have an excuse to say when they lose."

Eniola’s brother, Sone Aluko, represented England at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.