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FIFA Confirms DR Congo for 2026 World Cup Inter-Confederation Play-Off, Ending Super Eagles’ Qualification Hopes

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FIFA has officially confirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, effectively closing the door on Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The decision, announced as part of the final list of participating teams in the play-off bracket, includes DR Congo alongside Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.

The six teams will compete in a mini-tournament later this month for the two remaining qualification spots.DR Congo earned their place by defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the CAF play-off final in Rabat, Morocco, on November 16, 2025.

The Leopards advanced as the best runner-up from the African qualifiers.

Nigeria’s Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had lodged a protest with FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players—citing dual nationality issues under Congolese law for individuals like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.

Despite the review, FIFA’s inclusion of DR Congo in the confirmed line-up signals that the complaint was not upheld or did not alter the qualification outcome.

This marks the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria will miss, following their absence from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The Super Eagles, featuring stars such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had high expectations but faltered in the qualifiers, finishing second in their group behind South Africa before the playoff heartbreak.

Fans and analysts have expressed disappointment, with calls for reforms in the Nigeria Football Federation amid ongoing questions about administration, player management, and campaign strategy.

DR Congo now turns focus to the inter-confederation play-offs, where a strong performance could secure their first-ever World Cup appearance.

The tournament is scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.

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Germany defender Sule to retire this summer aged 30

The ex-Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim player was set to be out of contract on 30 June and will retire after the final game of the season.

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Germany defender, Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Sule has chosen to retire this summer at the age of 30.

Borussia injured his knee in last month’s Bundesliga defeat at Hoffenheim and initially thought he had suffered a cruciate ligament tear for the third time.

Although he then discovered he had avoided a cruciate ligament tear, Sule says he already felt that his career “was over” as he did not want to risk another serious injury.

The ex-Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim player was set to be out of contract on 30 June and will retire after the final game of the season.

After initial tests on his knee, Sule said on the Spielmacher podcast,, external that he “went into the shower and cried for 10 minutes”.

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NFF appoints new Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles coaches

Maikaba and Uwejamomere’s appointments followed the reshuffling of the backroom of all age grade national football teams.

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The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the appointments of Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as head coaches of the men’s national U-20 and the U-17 boys national team respectively.

Maikaba and Uwejamomere’s appointments followed the reshuffling of the backroom of all age grade national football teams.

Maikaba, who has managed several of Nigeria’s prestigious clubs, has also previously coached the U17 Boys’ National Team, known as Golden Eaglets. He was assistant coach of the U20 Boys, Flying Eagles, during the period Paul Aigbogun served as head coach.

He has served time with top-of-the-range teams Enyimba FC, Wikki Tourists, Kano Pillars and Plateau United, and famously led Akwa United FC to win the oldest and most prestigious football competition in the land (now known as President Federation Cup) in 2017.

Uwejamomere, the new head coach of five-time world champions Golden Eaglets, has served as coach-analyst with the senior men national team, Super Eagles, for many years now.

He is presently head of academy at Sporting Lagos FC, which recently gained promotion back to the NPFL, and worked as analyst with the senior women national team, Super Falcons, as well as academy youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England.

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of the Federation’s Technical and Development Committee for the appointments of Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as head coaches of the U20 and U17 Boys National Teams,” the NFF announced on Thursday.

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Shakira announces 2026 World Cup theme song featuring Burna Boy

The announcement has sparked excitement among football and music fans, especially with Burna Boy becoming one of the African artists to feature prominently on a World Cup anthem.

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•Shakira on stage

Colombian superstar Shakira has announced the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Nigerian Grammy-winning star Burna Boy.

The song, titled “Dai Dai,” will be released on May 14.

“From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!” Shakira posted on X alongside a teaser for the track.

The announcement has sparked excitement among football and music fans, especially with Burna Boy becoming one of the African artists to feature prominently on a World Cup anthem.

Shakira is no stranger to World Cup songs.

Her 2010 hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of the most iconic football anthems in history during the tournament in South Africa.

Recent World Cup theme songs have also featured global stars. In 2014, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte performed We Are One (Ole Ola) for the tournament in Brazil.

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