sports

U.S. Visa Restrictions Threaten Nigerian Fans’ 2026 World Cup Plans

Published

7 months ago

January 16, 2026

Nigerian World Cup visas face uncertainty as U.S. considers suspending processing for citizens under new Trump-era immigration rules

Nigerian football fans hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States are facing fresh uncertainty due to new U.S. immigration restrictions.

Also read: Five Most Memorable AFCON Finals Ahead of 2025 Decider

Reports indicate the Trump administration is considering a broad suspension of visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nigeria, as part of efforts to bar entry to applicants deemed likely to rely on public welfare.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott confirmed that visa processing for affected countries would be paused while procedures undergo review.

Applicants considered a “public charge” or deemed medically high-risk could be denied entry. Stricter financial checks will apply, and only limited exceptions are expected.

Concerns over civil documentation and security in some countries were cited as reasons for the policy expansion.

Officials referenced a deadly November 2025 shooting in Washington, D.C., linked to an Afghan national, prompting the administration to reassess background screening procedures.

For Nigerian fans, the timing is particularly challenging. High ticket and travel costs had already restricted attendance, and now even those who can afford the trip may face visa hurdles.

FIFA has assured ticket holders that travel should be possible, but U.S. immigration rules remain the final barrier.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria requires World Cup visitors to have a valid passport, completed DS-160 form, payment of fees, an interview in Abuja or Lagos, strong ties to Nigeria, and proof of sufficient funds.

Despite meeting these criteria, Nigerians remain subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998, restricting entry from 39 countries on security grounds.

The restrictions also affect Nigerian sports journalists. Funding challenges already limited attendance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the absence of Nigeria from the tournament reduces sponsorship opportunities further.

A potential reprieve exists if Nigeria succeeds in its protest against DR Congo over allegedly ineligible players.

Also read: Five Most Memorable AFCON Finals Ahead of 2025 Decider

This could allow the Super Eagles to reach the inter-confederation playoff in March in Mexico, reopening the door for fans to attend the World Cup.

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sports

Arsenal target Man Utd youngsters Scanlon, Ogunneye

Published

28 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Arsenal are working on deals for Man Utd youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye as the Premier League champions strengthen their youth ranks

Arsenal and Manchester United are in talks over potential moves for James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye in London on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with Arsenal working to recruit the two promising United youngsters before the summer transfer window closes.

Also read: Man United close in on £60m-plus Baleba deal

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are pursuing deals for both players and are increasingly confident that agreements can be reached this summer. The report does not indicate that either transfer has been completed.

Scanlon, 19, is an attacking player who has represented Gibraltar at senior international level. The youngster has already collected 24 caps for the national team and has continued to develop through Manchester United’s academy system.

The Gibraltar international spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Swindon Town, giving Scanlon valuable experience of senior football away from United’s Carrington training base.

Scanlon’s international career has also provided a notable milestone. The Manchester United academy product became Gibraltar’s youngest-ever goalscorer and the youngest player to score in the UEFA Nations League.

Ogunneye, 20, is a right-back who has also been involved around United’s first-team environment.

The London-born defender spent part of last season on loan at Newport County, where Ogunneye gained further experience in senior football.

Ogunneye has previously been included in United first-team matchday squads, underlining the regard in which the club has held the defender during his development.

Arsenal’s interest in the pair forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the club’s youth structure.

Reports suggest the club have been actively searching for young players who can develop into first-team options rather than focusing solely on established names.

The potential double move is particularly intriguing because Manchester United have themselves benefited from recruiting young Arsenal talent in recent seasons.

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi-Martin both left Arsenal’s academy for United, making a possible move in the opposite direction an interesting twist in the rivalry.

Arsenal also have practical reasons for strengthening their youth ranks. Reports have linked the club’s recruitment plans to the need for additional options in wide areas and at right-back, while injuries and academy departures have created openings for new prospects.

For Manchester United, losing two academy players to a direct Premier League rival would represent a significant decision.

Both Scanlon and Ogunneye have shown enough potential to attract serious interest, but neither has yet established a regular place in United’s senior side.

There is also no suggestion at this stage that the deals are imminent. The latest reports indicate that Arsenal are confident agreements can be reached, rather than confirming that terms have already been settled.

Also read: Curtis Jones: Inter Milan agree £30m deal for Liverpool midfielder

With the summer window approaching its final stages, the next few weeks could determine whether Arsenal complete what would be a striking double raid on Manchester United’s academy.