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Nigeria’s Super Eagles may still feature on the global football landscape next year after Russia reportedly advanced plans to host a parallel tournament during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, designed exclusively for nations that failed to qualify, Footynaija.com reports.
The proposal, circulating through international outlets including WorldSoccerTalk, forms part of the Russian Football Union’s effort to regain visibility after its exclusion from FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are among the teams named for possible inclusion, alongside Russia, Serbia, Greece, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Cameroon, China and Armenia.
Nigeria’s absence from the expanded 48-team World Cup remains a major disappointment.
The Super Eagles missed out after finishing behind South Africa in their qualifying group before losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African playoff final. That defeat, following a tense 1–1 draw over 120 minutes in Morocco, ended hopes of reaching the global finals, with DR Congo advancing to the intercontinental playoff instead.
Russia’s concept would use four venues from the 2018 World Cup and mirror a short-format international championship.
Reports suggest Moscow hopes the tournament will highlight the impact of FIFA sanctions while showing that it retains the infrastructure to stage top-level football.
Whether national federations will agree to participate remains uncertain. FIFA legitimacy, political sensitivities and scheduling conflicts could all shape the discussions.
Nigeria’s immediate focus, though, is on making key impact at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year.
