Nigeria officially out of 2026 World Cup as FIFA confirms DR Congo for play-offs

The world football governing body, FIFA, has formally confirmed Democratic Republic of the Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, shutting the door on Nigeria’s qualification bid.

The confirmation was contained in an accreditation circular released to the media ahead of the play-off tournament, where FIFA unveiled the competition format and listed the six countries that will vie for the remaining two slots at the global showpiece.

DR Congo was named as the Confederation of African Football’s flag bearer, leaving no avenue for Nigeria to reclaim a place in the race to the Mundial.

The development comes months after the Nigeria Football Federation lodged a protest challenging the outcome of their CAF play-off tie against the Congolese side in November 2025.

Nigeria had alleged that their opponents fielded ineligible players in the decisive fixture, which ended 1-1 in regulation time before the Super Eagles fell short in the ensuing penalty shootout. The NFF had sought a reversal of the result in a bid to secure Nigeria’s slot in the inter-confederation play-offs.

However, FIFA’s latest communication made no mention of any alteration to the qualified teams, signalling that the earlier result remains valid and that Nigeria’s appeal did not succeed.

In outlining the competition, FIFA stated that six nations would battle for the final two tickets to the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

According to the confirmed line-up, Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname will compete in the mini-tournament.

The play-offs are scheduled to begin on March 26, with New Caledonia facing Jamaica, while Bolivia will take on Suriname in the other fixture.

DR Congo is set to square up against the winner between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31, with a World Cup berth at stake.

For Nigeria, the announcement effectively brings an end to hopes of featuring at the 2026 tournament, marking a significant setback for the three-time African champions.

We Allowed Nigeria Dominate Us, Cameroon Coach Admits After Falcons’ 3–1 Comeback Win

Head coach of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, Mike Ndoumou, has blamed his side’s inability to contain Nigeria’s attacking pressure for their 3–1 defeat to the Super Falcons in an international friendly on Tuesday.

The encounter, played at the Military Stadium, was part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon had edged the African champions 1–0 in the first leg of the double-header last Saturday, but the Super Falcons responded emphatically in the return fixture.

The Indomitable Lionesses drew first blood through Christiane, who handed the hosts an early advantage. However, the nine-time African champions quickly turned the tide, asserting dominance and dictating the tempo of the game.

Nigeria’s comeback was powered by goals from Chiwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide and Michelle Alozie, sealing a convincing victory and underlining their pedigree on the continent.

Reflecting on the defeat, Ndoumou admitted that his team allowed Nigeria too much space and control, particularly in midfield.

“We let Nigeria lay siege on us and play in our half. The goals came very quickly,” he said in his post-match reaction.

The Cameroonian tactician acknowledged that his players struggled to cope with the sustained pressure from the visitors, a lapse that ultimately proved costly.

For the Super Falcons, the victory served as a strong response to their first-leg loss and a statement of intent ahead of the continental showpiece, while Cameroon will look to tighten their defensive organisation before competitive action begins.

La Liga: Lamine Yamal Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 4‑1 Victory Over Villarreal

Villarreal / March 1, 2026

Teen sensation Lamine Yamal produced a historic performance as FC Barcelona cruised to a 4‑1 win over Villarreal CF, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points ahead of Real Madrid CF. The 18-year-old’s first career hat-trick not only secured the points but also established him as the youngest player this century to score a La Liga hat-trick at 18 years and 230 days, according to Opta statistics.

Barcelona fell behind early when Pape Gueye scored for Villarreal following a corner in the first half, but Yamal responded with a spectacular brace before halftime, both goals assisted by Fermín López. In the 28th minute, Yamal tapped home after a midfield turnover from Fermín, and nine minutes later he scored from a wide angle, beating two defenders and finishing beyond goalkeeper Luiz Júnior to put the hosts in front.

The second half saw Villarreal briefly restore hope, but Barcelona’s dominance soon reasserted itself. Yamal completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, finishing a precise through ball from Pedri. In stoppage time, substitute Robert Lewandowski added a fourth after a brilliant team move involving Jules Koundé, sealing the emphatic victory and underscoring Barcelona’s attacking depth.

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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Yamal’s maturity and finishing, noting that the youngster’s performance demonstrates his growing importance to the team. Yamal now has 13 La Liga goals this season and a combined total of 101 goals and assists for club and country, further underlining his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.

Despite Villarreal’s spirited effort and opportunities, including a missed chance by Ayoze Pérez, Barcelona’s composure and tactical control prevailed. The win ensures Barcelona remain top of La Liga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, as the league approaches its crucial final stages.

Fermín López, promoted to the starting XI after scoring a key goal against Levante, orchestrated much of Barcelona’s attacking play and provided the decisive assists for Yamal’s first two goals. Contributions from Pedri, Koundé, and Lewandowski ensured Barcelona’s dominance across the pitch, highlighting the club’s blend of youth talent and experienced stars.

The result gives Barcelona momentum ahead of their upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with Yamal’s form providing optimism for silverware ambitions in addition to La Liga glory.

La Liga: Lamine Yamal Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 4‑1 Victory Over Villarreal