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FIFA Suspends Congo, Pakistan with Russia from the 2026 World Cup:

Congo is currently bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC Confederation.

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The world football governing body has suspended three federations over what it terms ‘serious circumstances’.

FIFA has taken swift action, suspending the football federations of Congo and Pakistan with immediate effect due to ‘serious circumstances’.

This decision effectively bars both nations from participating in the 2026 World Cup.

The Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) has been suspended due to “a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties” in its affairs.FIFA’s statement emphasised that this interference constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations according to the FIFA Statutes.

The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville,” FIFA’s statement read.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was also suspended for failing to adopt a revised constitution that ensures “truly fair and democratic elections”.

The suspension will only be lifted if the PFF Congress approves the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

PFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Haroon Malik explained that

FIFA wants to make amendments to the PFF Constitution to bring it in line with international standards.

However, the newly-elected PFF Congress members have not agreed to FIFA’s proposals.

Russia is the third country that has been suspended by FIFA after it invaded Ukraine back in February, 2022.

Congo is currently bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC Confederation.

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Super Eagles captain Ndidi mourns father’s death

” We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.

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• Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi

Sunday Ndidi – the father of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, died today in a road accident at Umunede, Delta State.

The retired military officer was confirmed dead after being rushed to a hospital at Agbor, also in Delta State.

Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.

Ndidi recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.

While celebrating his headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, the midfielder referenced his father and his admiration for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo.

The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.

“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”

Ndidi, who often speaks about growing up with his father in the barracks, was born and raised in Lagos.

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Lagos to host Davis Cup World Group II playoff

Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.

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The Lagos Lawn Tennis Club will host Davis Cup World Group II playoff between Nigeria and Uzbekistan from 6–8 February 2026.

The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochie, who disclosed this, said that hosting the event will significantly contribute to the development of lawn tennis in the country.

Prince Kunle Oyekanmi, publicity secretary of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to host a world-class tournament.“We are committed to ensuring a successful championship that will leave a lasting mark on the sport globally,” he said.

Oyekanmi added that the Davis Cup will inspire young and upcoming Nigerian players to pursue lawn tennis more passionately.

Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.

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US opens priority visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.

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The United States on Tuesday, opened a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to seek earlier appointments ahead of the tournament.

The World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

BBC reported that visa appointment scheme will enable ticket holders to access prioritised visa slots before the competition begins on June 11.

The US will host 78 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”

In November, President Donald Trump said the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to ensure football fans from around the world are properly vetted and able to travel to the United States for the summer tournament.

“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within our power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. We are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.

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