The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the Super Eagles achieved an impressive spread of 10 different goal scorers in their 15-goal tally during the Group C campaign of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers — with Victor Osimhen standing out as the only player to score more than once.

Osimhen, the Galatasaray Spor Kulübü striker and the immediate past African Footballer of the Year, netted six goals in the series, taking his international tally to 29 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria — just eight short of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national record of 37 goals.

The NFF highlighted that the campaign reflected a strong collective effort from the squad, as goals came from various departments of the team.

Defender Semi Ajayi opened Nigeria’s account with the equalizer against Lesotho in Uyo on 16 November 2023, though he will miss next month’s CAF Play-off in Morocco after accumulating two yellow cards.

The statement noted that every goal in the qualifiers proved crucial, given that Nigeria edged Burkina Faso only on goal difference to reach the Play-off round.

 Among the standout contributions was Raphael Onyedika’s goal against Benin Republic in Abidjan — despite the 2–1 defeat — as well as vital equalisers from Kelechi Iheanacho (against Zimbabwe) and Calvin Bassey (against South Africa).

At the end of the group phase, the Super Eagles lost just one of their 10 matches, while South Africa lost two and Benin Republic three, despite both nations enjoying home advantage in most of their fixtures.

The advantage weighed hugely in South Africa’s favour as they played seven of their 10 matches on home soil. Zimbabwe and Lesotho moved their own home games to South Africa offering Bafana Bafana huge advantage.

Refereeing duties across the series were shared among top African officials. Chadian referee Alhadi Mahamat Allaou officiated three of Nigeria’s matches — including the home draw with South Africa and wins over Rwanda and Lesotho — while Gabon’s Pierre Atcho took charge of two, including the defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan and the draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Throughout the campaign, Nigeria’s home base remained the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while away fixtures took the team to Rwanda’s Stade Huye, Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, and South African venues in Bloemfontein and Polokwane.

The NFF also disclosed that the team had a close brush with danger while returning from their Matchday 9 clash with Lesotho when their ValueJet chartered aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-air. However, the “professionalism and composure” of Captain Kamal Marafa ensured the aircraft’s safe return to Luanda Airport, where it had earlier refueled.

With the group stage now behind them, the Super Eagles turn their focus to the CAF Play-off Tournament in Morocco next month, as they continue their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Officials dismiss Trump’s rhetoric of relocating World Cup matches

Senior officials involved in organising the 2026 FIFA World Cup have dismissed growing speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump could influence the relocation of matches from cities governed by Democrats, insisting preparations remain firmly on track.

The controversy erupted after President Trump suggested last month that he might move World Cup games away from San Francisco and Seattle, cities he has criticised for their immigration and public safety policies. This week, he again raised the issue — this time targeting Boston and its Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu — and hinted that he could take the matter directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

However, John Kristick, who headed the joint U.S.-Canada-Mexico bid that won hosting rights for the 2026 finals, said such political talk has not affected tournament planning.

“From what I’m seeing, there’s been zero distraction in terms of preparedness,” Kristick told Reuters. “Tickets are already being sold. Hospitality packages have been sold for almost a year now.”

According to FIFA, more than one million tickets have already been purchased by fans from 212 countries and territories.

The United States will stage matches in 11 of the 16 host cities, with Canada and Mexico sharing the remaining venues. The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, marking the first time the global event returns to the U.S. since 1994, a landmark tournament credited with boosting soccer’s popularity in the country.

Earlier this year, Miami World Cup officials reassured international fans that the U.S.’s evolving immigration policies would not hinder attendance or participation.

FIFA, while maintaining that it holds ultimate authority over venue decisions, reiterated this week that “safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility,” adding,

“We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all necessary requirements.”

The U.S. has already had a rehearsal of sorts with the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup, which saw several 2026 host cities stage matches successfully.

Ricardo Trade, former CEO of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Local Organising Committee and of Copa America 2024, noted that venue changes in the U.S. would be logistically possible — but only before the December 5 World Cup draw.

“In a country like the United States, where every state has large, ready-to-use stadiums, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, organisers of the New York/New Jersey Host Committee, which will host eight matches including the final at MetLife Stadium, have shrugged off any fears of disruption.

“We’re doing what we need to do to make sure that we’re putting on the best World Cup experience anyone has ever seen,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the host committee. “We’ve spoken to FIFA, we’re working with the White House Task Force — I don’t think there’s any worry about the games being moved.”

As political rhetoric swirls, organisers insist the focus remains squarely on delivering a seamless, historic celebration when the World Cup returns to North America in 2026.

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By Kunle Solaja

Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi will miss the Super Eagles’ opening play-off match against Gabon on November 13 after accumulating two yellow cards during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

Ajayi’s latest caution came in the 55th minute of Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday, automatically ruling him out of the first of the two projected play-off fixtures.

The Hull City centre-back was the first Nigerian player to be booked in the qualifiers, having received his initial yellow card in the 54th minute of the opening group match against Lesotho on November 16, 2023.

Curiously, both bookings came at almost the same stage of play — the 54th and 55th minutes — and his suspension will see him miss a crucial match just three days before the second anniversary of his first caution.

Ajayi had earlier been Nigeria’s saviour in the qualifiers, scoring the 66th-minute equaliser that rescued a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in the campaign’s opener.

Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman, who served a one-match suspension in the last game against Benin, has now completed his ban.

However, 10 other Super Eagles players remain on the caution list and risk missing the second play-off match should they receive another yellow card.

The players currently walking a disciplinary tightrope include:

1. Calvin Bassey – booked in the 45th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
2. Jamilu Collins – booked in the 87th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
3. Umar Sadiq – booked in the 90th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
4. Bright Osayi-Samuel – booked in the 16th minute vs South Africa (June 7, 2024)
5. Sodiq Ismaila – booked in the 90+3rd minute vs Benin Republic (June 10, 2024)
6. Wilfred Ndidi – booked in the 49th minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
7. Alex Iwobi – booked in the 90th minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
8. Tolu Arokodare – booked in the 90+3rd minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
9. Stanley Nwabali – booked in the 25th minute vs Rwanda (Sept. 6, 2025)
10. Bruno Onyemaechi – booked in the 90th minute vs South Africa (Sept. 9, 2025)

With Nigeria eyeing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, discipline will be crucial in the two-legged play-off. The Super Eagles managed a clean record only once in their 10 qualifying matches — the 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe.

Ajayi’s absence will now test the team’s defensive depth as they prepare for a potentially tricky encounter against Gabon in November.

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