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matthew·Sports·

Why Were 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Not Scheduled in Nigeria’s South East?

We know Nigeria missed out on the last World Cup qualifiers. Yet it’s surprising that none of the 2026 qualifying matches will take place in the South East. Enugu, Dan Anyiam Owerri, and Enyimba stadiums have all hosted top-level fixtures before, including U21 World Cup and CAF competitions. Why then are matches being held in the North and South West—even in areas with security risks—while South East venues are overlooked?

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K
kris

Given Enugu and Owerri have hosted major fixtures before, why did they leave the South East off the 2026 schedule?

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T
tolu

Are there specific venue requirements that the South East didn't meet for those matches?

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J
jesse

It's odd that stadiums like Enyimba and Dan Anyiam Owerri, with proven track records, aren't even under consideration.

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K
kunle

It feels like the organizers are overlooking the South East audience, no be so, when those venues clearly meet CAF standards.

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P
peter

Local football associations should start lobbying the NFF and FIFA early to secure fixtures, highlighting infrastructure and fan support data.

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