Nigeria’s official football account faces criticism after taunting France despite the Super Eagles missing a second successive FIFA World Cup

The official Super Eagles account on X has come under intense criticism from Nigerian football supporters after posting a tongue-in-cheek message aimed at France following Spain’s 2-0 victory in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The Super Eagles X Post appeared shortly after Spain secured a place in Sunday’s final, where the European champions will face defending champions Argentina.

Referencing one of Nigeria’s most celebrated World Cup moments, the account wrote: “Beating Spain isn’t for everyone.”

The remark alluded to Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Spain during their opening group match at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, when the Super Eagles overturned an early deficit to record one of the tournament’s greatest upsets.

Rather than celebrating the nostalgic reference, many supporters reacted angrily, arguing that the post was poorly timed given Nigeria’s absence from the ongoing tournament after failing to qualify for the World Cup for a second consecutive edition.

Social media influencer Unkle Ayo was among the first to criticise the post.

“You are not ashamed of yourself. When you’re not Cristiano Ronaldo, your own no pass to dey rewarm glory days from 1928,” he wrote.

Another influencer, Asiwaju Lerry, questioned the decision behind the message, posting: “Do you not have shame at all?”

Lagos-based broadcaster Shina Awoyemi also expressed disappointment.

“We did not qualify and you’re posting this? Chasing clout with past glory,” he wrote.

Another X user, identified as Osimen, argued that the national team’s social media presence should reflect its current realities rather than historic achievements.

“You’re living in your past when others are already enjoying the future in their present life. Can the present or past Super Eagles beat the Spanish team right now? You should hide your face in shame. You didn’t qualify for the World Cup,” the user wrote.

Another supporter, Mr Raymond, described the post as embarrassing.

“Y’all just like to bring us premium embarrassment.

Can y’all even beat DR Congo to qualify for the FIFA World Cup? Even in 2038, y’all won’t still be at the World Cup. So stop seeking attention with this trash. Spain will outplay y’all and it will rain goals, to be very frank,” he posted.

The controversial post revisited one of the defining moments in Nigerian football history.

At the 1998 FIFA World Cup in Nantes, Spain took the lead through Fernando Hierro before Mutiu Adepoju equalised. Raúl restored Spain’s advantage, but Garba Lawal levelled again before Sunday Oliseh struck a spectacular late winner to seal a famous 3-2 victory.

That result remains one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

FIFA has previously ranked Spain’s defeat to Nigeria among the tournament’s greatest upsets, noting that the Super Eagles, appearing in only their second World Cup, overcame a Spanish side featuring stars such as Hierro, Raúl and Luis Enrique.

However, the latest backlash reflects growing frustration among supporters over the national team’s recent struggles.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after losing to Ghana on the away goals rule and also missed out on the 2026 finals, extending the country’s absence from football’s biggest tournament to two successive editions.

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For many fans, the episode has reignited debate over how national teams should balance celebrating historic achievements with acknowledging present-day challenges, particularly at a time when supporters remain eager to see the Super Eagles return to the global stage rather than relive past triumphs.