The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again assured football fans across the country that the Super Eagles will play in this year’s FIFA World Cup saying it has a good case in its eligibility dispute against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The football house is confident of securing a favourable ruling from FIFA any time from now.

“We have a good case,” NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told Brila FM. “We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility.”

Nigeria lodged a formal complaint with the world football governing body, alleging that the DRC fielded foreign-born players who had not surrendered their foreign passports or completed nationality switch procedures against the Super Eagles.

The controversy stems from last November’s CAF World Cup playoff final in Morocco, where the DRC edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

There are reports that former Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are central to the case.

The NFF General Secretary insisted the federation’s complaint against DR Congo is well-grounded.

“As far as we are concerned, we have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA would say as regards the complaint we have lodged.”

The outcome of FIFA’s review could have significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

Meanwhile, FIFA has launched Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026, a first-of-its-kind programme that will unite communities across the tournament co-host country from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in celebration of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.

Delivered as a series of free-to-the-public, one-day community celebrations across the country, Canada Celebrates will bring football fans together for live match viewings, football-themed activations, cultural programming, music, food and shared moments of national pride.

As the country prepares to host its first FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States, Canada Celebrates will carry the energy, pride, and passion that are synonymous with the tournament beyond the Host Cities of Toronto and Vancouver, as part of this historic global occasion.

“Canada Celebrates was created to recognise the passion for football that runs across Canada and to bring the energy and excitement of the FIFA World Cup directly into our communities,” said Vittorio Montagliani, FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President.

“As a Canadian, I’ve seen firsthand the pride and unity this country shows on the world stage and how Canadians rally during major international sporting events. Hosting the FIFA World Cup is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It builds on the foundation laid by generations from coast to coast and marks the beginning of the next chapter for football in Canada.”

Canada Celebrates will kick off in British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia, simultaneously – on the country’s west and east coasts – on 11 June. The programme will have up to 40 stops countrywide in total, transforming public spaces into vibrant gathering places.

As Canada shines under a global spotlight, Canada Celebrates will embrace the country’s rich cultural mosaic, reflecting the diverse communities, stories and traditions that define the country. Fans will be able to enjoy a live feed for match viewings at each of the celebration sites.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Canada Celebrates will also support the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, offering enhanced fan experiences and the chance to see the original FIFA World Cup Trophy in seven cities across Canada – Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa and Toronto. (The Guardian)

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