Sports
World Cup Blow: Nigeria Eliminated as DR Congo Secures Play-Off Spot
World football governing body FIFA has officially confirmed the DR Congo national football team as Africa’s representative in the intercontinental play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending Nigeria’s hopes of sneaking into the global showpiece.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, means the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, will not feature in the final qualification pathway after falling short in the race for the continent’s remaining slot.
In its statement, FIFA noted that DR Congo secured the ticket in line with the approved qualification criteria, effectively shutting down any mathematical or administrative possibility of Nigeria gaining entry into the play-offs.
The decision deals a heavy blow to the Super Eagles, who had held on to slim hopes of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament despite a turbulent qualifying campaign marked by inconsistent performances.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format, increasing opportunities for teams across all confederations. However, Nigeria’s campaign ultimately proved insufficient to secure even a last-chance route through the intercontinental play-offs.
With the confirmation now sealed, attention is expected to shift to the Nigeria Football Federation, as supporters and stakeholders demand a comprehensive review of the team’s qualification failure.
For Nigeria, a traditional powerhouse in African football, the dream of featuring at the 2026 tournament is now officially over. For DR Congo, the journey continues as they prepare to battle for a place on football’s biggest stage.
In a country where football often dominates the conversation, a quiet revolution has been unfolding on school fields and dusty playgrounds across Nigeria, and it belongs to girls with a rugby ball in hand. The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation has announced a major grassroots breakthrough, with more than 5,000 girls participating in its Rugby Rising programme, which concludes this weekend.
Launched in November and running for four months, the initiative delivered intensive rugby training sessions to young girls nationwide, significantly boosting female participation in the sport. The programme was supervised by NRFF board member Hussain Wuraola and implemented by 30 coaches across the country, all operating in line with standards set by World Rugby.
Beyond the numbers, the impact has been cultural. Rugby Rising has taken the sport directly into schools and academies, breaking long-standing stereotypes and expanding acceptance of rugby among young girls, many of whom are engaging with the game for the first time.
Wuraola commended the dedication of the coaches, noting that their commitment helped push the game into previously unreached communities. She expressed optimism that women’s rugby in Nigeria now stands on firmer ground, backed by a growing wave of interest and enthusiasm from the next generation.
With 5,000 girls now introduced to structured rugby training, the question is no longer whether women’s rugby can thrive in Nigeria, but how far this new momentum can carry it.
Football
IRAN’S WORLD CUP PARTICIPATION IN DOUBT FOLLOWING DEADLY US STRIKES AND REGIONAL ESCALATION
Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown into uncertainty following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv. Tensions surged over the weekend after reported US airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The strikes, carried out in coordination with Israeli forces, targeted major Iranian cities including Tehran.
US President Donald Trump vowed further action, warning that Iran would be hit with “a force that has never been seen before,” as the joint military campaign intensified. In retaliation, Iranian authorities launched missile strikes toward targets in neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. British fighter jets were reportedly deployed to help shield allied nations from incoming projectiles, raising concerns as several countries set to compete at the World Cup found themselves directly or indirectly caught up in the unfolding conflict.
The crisis comes just three months before the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran, which has already secured qualification, is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in the group stage, with its opening match slated for June 16.
However, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has cast serious doubt over the nation’s involvement. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Taj said: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.” He added that the final decision would rest with sporting authorities.
With diplomatic tensions mounting and regional stability deteriorating, uncertainty now surrounds whether Iran will ultimately take part in football’s biggest global showcase.
Manchester United continued their strong Premier League form on Sunday by coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils fell behind early to Maxence Lacroix’s header but turned the game around in the second half. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty and later set up Benjamin Šeško for the winner.
The victory lifted United up to third place in the Premier League table, their best position since May 2023, and kept alive their push for a Champions League spot.
United’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League now stretches to 10 games under interim manager Michael Carrick; a run that has included a series of wins and draws and made them one of the division’s most in-form teams this season.