Nigeria may still get a taste of international football in 2026 despite missing out on the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
Reports suggest that Russia is proposing a rival competition exclusively for countries that failed to qualify for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The initiative, still unofficial but gaining attention, is designed to provide exposure and competitive opportunities for teams sidelined by the main tournament.
According to World Soccer Talk, the plan reportedly targets eight to twelve countries, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles among the names being floated to compete in the rival World Cup tournament.
Other potential participants include Russia, Serbia, Greece, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Cameroon, China, and Armenia.
Using stadiums from the 2018 World Cup, the tournament would mirror an international championship format, compressed into a short but intensive schedule.
