Afcon 2023 squad in 2030: How old will Nigeria’s Super Eagles be at the next World Cup if they miss 2026?

Super Eagles of Nigeria find themselves in a familiar situation just before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which resulted in losing their tickets to their fiercest neighbours, Ghana.

As earlier reported by Soccernet.ng, Eric Chelle’s men dented their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup following a draw against Zimbabwe at their home ground in Uyo.

This has suddenly turned the Nigerian football fans into mathematicians who can only hope that the Super Eagles win the rest of their qualifying games and see South Africa lose points due to fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.

But what if, against all hope, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions fail to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada?

Definitely, the next opportunity would be the 2030 World Cup — seven years from now. While seven years might seem like a short time in history, in football, it’s enough to end some players’ careers.

The 2023 AFCON squad gave the whole country something to cheer for by reaching the final of the tournament—although they could not win it—but what happens to this squad if 2026 passes them by? How old will they be by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives?

By 2030, many of the players who donned the green and white at the last AFCON will be deep into their 30s. Some, like Ahmed Musa, who would be 38 by then, are likely to have retired. William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, and Semi Ajayi — all key defensive figures — would each be 37.

Their chances of making a World Cup squad at that age would be slim, especially in such a demanding position.

The defence, in particular, would be the most affected area, with Ola Aina (34), Chidozie Awaziem (34), Bright Osayi-Samuel (33), Zaidu Sanusi (33), and Bruno Onyemaechi (31) all nearing or past the age when most defenders start to decline in agility.

Only Calvin Bassey and Onyemaechi, who will both be 31, could still be considered viable for selection if they maintain top form.

The midfield presents a slightly better outlook. Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Alex Iwobi would all be 34 in 2030 — seasoned veterans by then.

Frank Onyeka would be 32, and Raphael Onyedika, the youngest of the lot, would still be just 29 — potentially in his prime.

Up front, the picture becomes a bit brighter for Nigeria. While Ahmed Musa and perhaps even Moses Simon (35) might bow out, the Super Eagles still have a solid pool of talent that could shine in 2030.

Victor Osimhen will be 32 — still a dangerous striker if injuries are kind. Kelechi Iheanacho will be 34, while Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman will be 33.

Samuel Chukwueze will be 31, and Victor Boniface — the youngest of the group — will be just 30. In fact, Boniface might be leading the frontline by then if he keeps developing as expected.

For the goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabili will be 34, Francis Uzoho 32, and Olorunleke Ojo 35. Given how goalkeepers tend to peak later and last longer, at least one or two of them could still be in the picture in 2030, although Nigeria would likely have new names pushing into contention.