A new report has raised concerns over the future of Nigerian football, warning that the country could miss another FIFA World Cup unless significant changes are made to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The report, released as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, argues that Nigeria’s continued absence from football’s biggest tournament reflects deep-rooted administrative problems rather than a shortage of football talent.

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According to the report, failing to qualify for the World Cup has hurt the international profile of Nigerian players and slowed the growth of the domestic game.

It says the country’s football potential will remain underutilised unless the federation undergoes far-reaching reforms.

The report also notes that several football stakeholders and respected sporting figures have repeatedly called for the NFF to be restructured and insulated from political influence.

They believe only a transparent and professionally managed federation can restore confidence in Nigerian football.

It identifies a number of long-standing issues, including alleged financial mismanagement, delayed payment of players’ bonuses, inconsistent coaching appointments and poor administrative planning, as factors that have contributed to the Super Eagles’ recent struggles on the international stage.

Beyond the national team’s disappointing results, the report argues that years of weak governance have affected player welfare and weakened youth football development, limiting Nigeria’s ability to compete consistently with the world’s top football nations.

The report concludes that meaningful leadership reforms within the NFF are essential if Nigeria hopes to reclaim its place at future FIFA World Cup tournaments and restore the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy enters a decisive phase on Saturday as the Round of 16 gets underway, with the remaining 16 teams battling for a place in the quarter-finals.

African hopes now rest on Morocco and Egypt, the continent’s last surviving representatives in the tournament.

Morocco will be the first African side in action, taking on hosts Canada on Saturday evening, while Egypt face defending champions Argentina on Tuesday in a high-stakes knockout encounter.

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Among the favourites still in contention, France will continue their pursuit of a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final appearance when they face Paraguay later on Saturday.

The knockout stage also features several blockbuster fixtures involving football’s biggest nations. Five-time champions Brazil will take on Norway, while England lock horns with Mexico in another highly anticipated clash.

An all-European showdown between Portugal and Spain is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 16, while the United States will face Belgium for a place in the last eight.

The final knockout match will see Switzerland battle Colombia.

Round of 16 Fixtures (WAT)

Saturday, July 4

Canada vs Morocco – 6:00 p.m.

Paraguay vs France – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 5

Brazil vs Norway – 9:00 p.m.

Monday, July 6

Mexico vs England – 1:00 a.m.

Portugal vs Spain – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 7

USA vs Belgium – 1:00 a.m.

Argentina vs Egypt – 5:00 p.m.

Switzerland vs Colombia – 9:00 p.m.

With quarter-final places at stake, fans around the world are expected to witness intense battles as the road to lifting football’s biggest prize becomes increasingly challenging.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has revealed what happened moments after his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, joking that the same players who challenged him physically during the match lined up to ask for his jersey and take selfies.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner played a key role as Argentina booked their place in the quarter-finals after overcoming a spirited Cape Verde side in Miami on Friday.

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Speaking after the match, Messi laughed about the contrast between the fierce battles on the pitch and the admiration shown by Cape Verde’s players once the final whistle blew.

“They asked for my jersey, everything… On the field, they kick the crap out of me,” Messi said with a smile.

Despite securing qualification, the Argentine skipper admitted his team did not produce their best performance.

According to him, Argentina failed to maintain control after taking the lead, allowing their opponents to mount sustained pressure.

“We lost possession, we sat back, we couldn’t press effectively,” Messi said while reflecting on areas his team must improve ahead of the next round.

Messi, however, praised Argentina’s progress from set-piece situations, noting that the team had spent considerable time working on both attacking and defensive routines.

“We’ve been working on it for a while, both offensively and defensively. In a competition like this, it’s important,” he added.

The victory also marked another historic milestone for the 39-year-old, who scored his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal to further extend his remarkable record on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina will now shift focus to a quarter-final showdown against Egypt, who secured their place after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout.

The light-hearted exchange between Messi and the Cape Verde players after the game quickly drew attention, highlighting the respect the Argentine legend continues to command from opponents across the world.