by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Nigeria’s hopes of securing a favourable FIFA ruling in its dispute with DR Congo over player eligibility have received a significant boost following a recent decision involving Malaysia.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) believes FIFA’s sanction of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for fielding ineligible players strengthens its own case against DR Congo, whom Nigeria accused of using five ineligible players during the final African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties in the decisive playoff match, denying them a place in the six-nation Intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico in March. In response, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA, demanding the disqualification of DR Congo over alleged violations relating to player eligibility and dual citizenship.
FIFA recently fined Malaysia and overturned the results of several international matches to 3–0 defeats after it emerged that seven naturalised players had featured using false documentation. The fallout from the ruling saw the entire Malaysian FA executive committee resign.
Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has referenced the Malaysia case as a clear precedent, insisting Nigeria has a strong and well-documented case. The NFF maintains that DR Congo fielded players with dual citizenship, contrary to the country’s constitution, which does not permit multiple nationalities. Nigeria also alleges that the clearance documents used were improperly obtained.
FIFA is expected to announce its verdict before the Intercontinental playoffs begin, a decision that could dramatically alter the qualification picture.
The Super Eagles, who finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, impressed many with performances reminiscent of Nigeria’s famed 1994 generation. Many football observers believe it would be a major loss for the global game if such a team were absent from the expanded 48-team World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Zambia’s Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens, have announced a 38-player provisional squad as they step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to be staged in Morocco.
The technical bench has confirmed that the selected players will assemble in Dubai for a residential training camp, which will also include participation in an invitational tournament aimed at sharpening the team’s readiness ahead of the continental championship.
Zambia have been drawn into Group C, where they will lock horns with Nigeria’s Super Falcons, as well as Egypt and Malawi, in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
WAFCON 2026 carries major significance, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Buoyed by their historic first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022, the Copper Queens are eager to continue their upward trajectory in women’s football. The provisional squad reflects this ambition, blending experienced home-based players with foreign-based professionals competing across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
By beginning preparations early and seeking high-level competition in Dubai, Zambia are clearly signalling their intent to challenge Africa’s established heavyweights as they target a deep run at WAFCON 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Jesse Debrah has completed a loan move to Bromley FC from League One side Port Vale as he looks to gain more regular playing time.
The Croydon-born centre-back joined Port Vale in September 2023 after leaving Halifax, signing a two-year contract. He made an immediate impact in his debut season, featuring in 40 matches and scoring in the Vertu Trophy against Newcastle United’s U21s. Debrah followed that up with 41 appearances across all competitions the following campaign.
During his time at Vale Park, Debrah also impressed against Bromley, playing the full 90 minutes in both meetings, while finding the net against Grimsby Town and Colchester United. He was part of the squad that secured promotion back to League One after Port Vale’s relegation in 2024.
In the current season, the defender has remained an important member of the squad, registering 17 league appearances and scoring in a dominant 5–0 Vertu Trophy win over Barnsley.
At Bromley, Debrah will wear the number 15 shirt as he begins a new chapter on loan.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Lesotho has officially thrown its support behind South Africa’s bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, joining Botswana in a growing Southern African coalition for the prestigious tournament.
The Lesotho Football Association (LEFA), working alongside the country’s Ministry of Sports, confirmed its intention in a formal letter to South Africa’s Ministry of Sports. The communication expressed Lesotho’s readiness to participate in a joint hosting arrangement, highlighting strong regional solidarity behind the bid.
Botswana had earlier announced its decision to partner with South Africa, and Lesotho’s inclusion further strengthens the multi-nation proposal. The joint bid is expected to rely on shared infrastructure, coordinated logistics, and close regional cooperation—an approach that aligns with the Confederation of African Football’s increasing acceptance of co-hosting models for major tournaments.
As momentum builds around the Southern African initiative, attention now turns to CAF’s selection process, with several other African nations also preparing rival bids for the right to host AFCON 2028.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has formally submitted a bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, adjusting its plans following recent changes to the tournament’s scheduling.
Ethiopia had originally set its sights on hosting the 2029 edition, but CAF’s decision in December 2025 to run AFCON on a four-year cycle starting from 2028 prompted a shift in strategy. With the new timetable confirmed, the federation has moved quickly to position the country as a host for the 2028 tournament.
According to reports, EFF Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed that the bid has been officially lodged, stressing that it is supported by firm guarantees from the Ethiopian government. He noted that the backing demonstrates Ethiopia’s readiness and commitment to meeting CAF’s hosting standards.
Although Ethiopia currently lacks a CAF-accredited stadium, several infrastructure projects are nearing completion. The Adey Abeba Stadium in Addis Ababa is at an advanced stage, while additional host cities being considered include Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma, and Mekele, where stadium developments are ongoing.
Ethiopia is expected to face stiff competition for hosting rights, including a proposed joint bid from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Egypt has also been mentioned as a potential contender, though no official submission has been confirmed.
Ethiopia has a rich AFCON history, having hosted the tournament in 1962—when they emerged champions—as well as in 1968 and 1976.
