Sports
2026 WCQ: Nigeria Pushes For DR Congo Disqualification Over Eligibility Breach
Nigeria has intensified efforts to have the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) disqualified from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers over the alleged use of ineligible players, describing its case before FIFA as solid and well-founded.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, disclosed that the Super Eagles’ petition is based on suspected violations of FIFA regulations governing player nationality switches and eligibility.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Dikko stressed that Nigeria’s move was not driven by desperation or poor sportsmanship but by a commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the laws of the game.
SEE ALSO: World Cup 2026: Super Eagles Face Do-or-Die Clash As Benin, South Africa Battle For Final Spot
“Our case is very tight. We are not sore losers; this is simply about following due process and the rules,” he said.
Dikko explained that Nigeria has raised concerns that DR Congo may have improperly secured FIFA clearance for certain players who had previously represented other countries, suggesting that the necessary procedures might not have been fully adhered to.
“There are strong indications that some processes were not done in accordance with FIFA regulations. There is also the possibility that certain positions were misrepresented to FIFA to obtain those clearances,” he added.
The NSC chairman pointed to a recent FIFA ruling against Malaysia as a precedent, noting that the Asian nation was sanctioned after it was discovered that passports were illegally procured for some players.
FIFA consequently ordered Malaysia to forfeit all matches in which the affected players participated.
Nigeria is now awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the petition, which could significantly impact the qualification race if sanctions, including match forfeitures or disqualification, are imposed on DR Congo.
The Super Eagles remain focused on their World Cup qualifying campaign as the global football body reviews the matter.
Spain’s celebrations after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup were overshadowed by tragedy after a 13-year-old boy died and several others were injured when a fountain collapsed during jubilant scenes in the western Spanish town of Ciudad Rodrigo.
The heartbreaking incident occurred shortly after Spain secured a historic 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, ending a 16-year wait for the country’s second global football title.
RELATED NEWS: BREAKING: Spain Dethrone Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup
According to local authorities, emergency services received multiple distress calls at around 12:30 a.m. local time after a fountain packed with celebrating fans suddenly collapsed.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Ciudad Rodrigo City Hall confirmed the teenager’s death and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
“The city hall of Ciudad Rodrigo expresses its sadness and presents its condolences for the death of a boy of 13.”
The municipality described the incident as a devastating turn of events, saying: “What should have been a celebration of Spain’s team in the football World Cup turned into tragedy.”
Emergency services also confirmed that another youth was injured in the collapse, while several others sustained injuries as rescue teams rushed to the scene.
Local media reported that the fountain gave way under the weight of dozens of fans who had climbed onto the structure to celebrate Spain’s World Cup triumph.
The fatal accident cast a somber mood over celebrations across the football-loving nation, with many expressing grief just hours after Spain’s memorable victory on the world stage.
Spain have been crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina in a thrilling final to reclaim football’s biggest prize.
La Roja delivered a composed and determined performance on the grandest stage, overcoming the South American giants to secure their second FIFA World Cup title and their first since their historic triumph in 2010.
The highly anticipated showdown lived up to expectations as both teams battled fiercely for global supremacy.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: England Crush France 6-4 to Clinch World Cup Bronze
However, Spain’s tactical discipline, attacking quality, and defensive resilience proved decisive as they ended Argentina’s reign as world champions.
Spain’s road to glory included impressive victories over some of the tournament’s strongest sides, underlining their dominance throughout the competition.
The triumph also marks the culmination of a remarkable resurgence led by a talented new generation of stars, who have restored Spain to the pinnacle of world football.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their hopes of retaining the World Cup crown, despite another spirited campaign that saw them reach a second consecutive final.
Spain’s victory cements their place among football’s elite once again, bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to a memorable conclusion.
England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high after defeating France 6-4 in a pulsating third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on Saturday to secure the bronze medal.
Thomas Tuchel’s men produced an electric attacking display, storming into a commanding four-goal lead before France launched a spirited comeback.
SEE ALSO: FIFA Makes Historic Change as World Cup Winners to Receive Championship Rings
Declan Rice opened the scoring early, while Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage. Bukayo Saka then stole the show with a first-half brace as the Three Lions headed into the break with complete control of the contest.
France responded strongly after halftime, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading the charge by scoring twice.
Bradley Barcola also found the net to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of an unlikely comeback for Les Bleus.
However, England had the final say as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to seal a thrilling 5-3 victory and confirm England’s third-place finish at the tournament.
The victory marked a fitting response to England’s heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina and secured the nation’s best World Cup finish since 1966.
France, meanwhile, ended the tournament in fourth place after suffering back-to-back defeats in the knockout stage.
Attention now shifts to Sunday’s World Cup final, where Spain will battle defending champions Argentina for football’s biggest prize.
NUPRC Dangles 50 Oil, Gas Blocks Before 143 Investors at Bid Conference
IPMAN Kicks as Importers Hike Prices
NUPRC Charges Oil Bloc Winners on Compliance with PIA
Sahara Opens Kaduna, Jigawa Recycling Hubs
Andy Burnham Sworn In as UK Prime Minister After King Charles Meeting Writing
Fake Agency DG Adeniyi Reveals How ₦1.3bn Found Its Way Into 2026 Budget
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
