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Nigerians planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup may face unexpected hurdles following fresh visa restrictions signed by former President Donald Trump.
The new Proclamation, issued on Tuesday, restricts entry to the United States for citizens of countries deemed high-risk due to “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing,” which, according to the U.S. government, threaten national security and public safety.
Nigeria has been included among 15 additional countries now subject to partial restrictions. This move impacts Nigerians holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas in categories including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, all of which are now suspended.
Furthermore, officials at the American Embassy have been instructed to reduce the validity of any other non-immigrant visas already issued to Nigerian nationals.
The decision comes amid longstanding concerns over visa overstays by some Nigerian travelers visiting the U.S.
The government cited these violations as one of the reasons behind the new restrictions, emphasizing the need for tighter enforcement to protect national security and public safety.
The announcement has sparked anxiety among Nigerian football fans, particularly those planning to travel to support the Super Eagles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While the visa restrictions present a logistical challenge, there is still a possibility that Nigerians may attend the tournament if their visa applications meet strict scrutiny and compliance measures.
Adding to the uncertainty is the ongoing appeal by the Super Eagles to FIFA regarding the eligibility of certain Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) players.
If the appeal is successful, Nigeria’s participation in the tournament could be confirmed, but travel restrictions remain a significant concern for fans wishing to witness the World Cup in the United States.
The development has drawn criticism and concern from football supporters and travel agencies alike, who argue that the timing of the restrictions could disrupt plans for fans and delegations.
With the World Cup just a year away, stakeholders are calling on both U.S. and Nigerian authorities to provide clarity and ensure that legitimate travelers are not unduly affected.
While the Trump administration’s visa restrictions aim to strengthen national security, they highlight the challenges international travelers face, particularly in the context of global sporting events.
For Nigerian fans, the combination of eligibility appeals and visa limitations presents a complex scenario, requiring careful navigation to ensure attendance at one of football’s most prestigious events.
As the situation unfolds, football supporters are closely monitoring developments, hoping for solutions that will allow them to cheer on the Super Eagles at the 2026 World Cup.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Nigerians can secure visas in time for the tournament and what measures will be put in place to address the ongoing restrictions.
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