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Wilfred Ndidi Vows Strong Response Amid Play-off Uncertainty

Published

6 months ago

March 6, 2026

Q Tinny

Wilfred Ndidi play-off uncertainty grows as the Super Eagles captain insists Nigeria will stay ready while FIFA delays ruling on the World Cup play-off petition

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said the Nigerian national team will remain fully prepared to make the country proud despite the growing Wilfred Ndidi play-off uncertainty surrounding their chances of competing in the intercontinental qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also read: NFF Denies False FIFA Verdict on World Cup

Ndidi spoke in Lagos on Thursday as Nigeria continues to await a ruling from FIFA on a petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation challenging the advancement of DR Congo national football team to the intercontinental play-off.

The Super Eagles initially failed to secure automatic qualification for the expanded tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria also lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final last November, a result that appeared to end the team’s qualification hopes.

However, the NFF later lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging the improper switch of nationality by certain Congolese players.

The petition has been under review since December 2025, yet a decision has not been delivered with just 20 days remaining before the intercontinental play-off tournament.

Amid the prolonged wait, Ndidi said the players have chosen to focus on preparation rather than speculation.

“To be honest, I don’t really focus on things I cannot control. We just concentrate on our football and prepare ourselves the best way possible,” Ndidi said.

The Leicester City midfielder acknowledged that clarity would benefit the squad but stressed confidence in the federation’s handling of the situation.

“Of course, everyone wants clarity, but we trust the Nigeria Football Federation and the authorities to handle everything properly,” Ndidi added.

“As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united and keep working hard. Nigerian fans always expect the best from us, and we respect that. Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give everything for the country and make Nigeria proud.”

The intercontinental play-off competition is scheduled to take place from March 26 to March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, both in Mexico. Six countries will compete for the final two qualification spots at the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo have been drawn to face the winner of a tie between Jamaica national football team and New Caledonia national football team, although a favourable FIFA ruling for Nigeria could significantly alter the tournament fixtures.

Meanwhile, the NFF has scheduled a four-nation invitational tournament for the Super Eagles during the March international window. Nigeria are expected to face the Iran national football team on March 27 before taking on the Jordan national football team on March 31 in Amman.

The proposed fixtures, however, may be affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, raising fresh uncertainty over the tournament’s feasibility.

Also read: FIFA World Cup Ticket Prices Soar Beyond $8,000

The 2026 World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19, will mark a historic expansion of the competition to 48 teams, a powerful shift expected to reshape global football qualification pathways.

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Arsenal target Man Utd youngsters Scanlon, Ogunneye

Published

30 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.