Sports
World Cup 2026: DR Congo better team than Nigeria – Kwenaite
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/vgjh-5-1000x600.jpg&description=World Cup 2026: DR Congo better team than Nigeria – Kwenaite', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/vgjh-5-1000x600.jpg&description=World Cup 2026: DR Congo better team than Nigeria – Kwenaite', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Renowned African football journalist Thomas Kwenaite has asserted that the Democratic Republic of Congo is a stronger team than Cameroon and Nigeria as they head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo needed a total of thirteen matches to achieve qualification for the 2026 World Cup, successfully defeating various opponents along the way, including the Super Eagles.
Their qualification was secured through the intercontinental playoffs, where an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe resulted in a 1–0 victory over Jamaica.
The Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) has launched an aggressive recruitment initiative, successfully persuading several dual-national players to commit to the Leopards, with fewer than ten members of the current squad actually born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following their penalty shootout defeat, the Super Eagles filed a formal protest with FIFA, claiming that the Democratic Republic of Congo had fielded several ineligible dual-national players; however, the complaint was ultimately rejected.
Kwenaite praised the Leopards for their outstanding performances against notable African teams such as Nigeria and Cameroon.
“The most crucial factor is that they are back. When you analyze their performance during the qualifiers, especially their victories over both Cameroon and Nigeria, it is clear that they were the superior team,” Kwenaite remarked on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa.
The seasoned pundit further emphasized the quality and determination displayed by the Congolese team, noting that their strategy set them apart from their rivals throughout the campaign.
“They were the better team, they performed exceptionally well. It was evident that they were the more motivated of the so-called big teams. I am very pleased,” Kwenaite added.
World football governing body, FIFA, has made a key video assistant referee, VAR decision ahead of the much exected World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina.
The match will be played in Atlanta on Wednesday.
FIFA has opted to deploy an on-site VAR team for this high-profile encounter.
Previously, the VAR team had been functioning from a central hub located at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, regardless of the venue of each match.
However, for this particular game, the on-site officials will act as a backup in the event of any technical or communication difficulties.
Dan Hunt, a member of the Organising Committee, elaborated on the decision to have VAR operate on-site for the second semi-final as reported by Sport Bible.
He said, “There is a significant amount of drama that occurs during these matches. Moreover, when only four officials are tasked with overseeing the action on a field that is considerably larger than an American football field, it becomes quite challenging
“I am pleased that there will be on-site officials. I am uncertain about how the communication will be managed.”
FIFA has faced considerable criticism for the inconsistent VAR decisions throughout the tournament, with the defending champions Argentina benefiting from favorable calls without any against them, while England has experienced the opposite, resulting in a net negative outcome.
Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has reacted to the Les Bleus’ World Cup semi-final 2-0 defeat to Spain.
Henry said that the La Roja were far superior to France during the encounter.
Spain defeated France on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup final, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
“Too little from France at the end of the day. Spain controlled the game on and off the ball,” Henry said on Fox Sports.
“They showed why they are European champions, they are showing why they are going into the final.
“Nothing to add, they were far superior, and there is nothing to say about it. Spain, congratulations. you deserves to go to the final,” he said.
Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ashe, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the multi-sport event, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist, popularly known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, said the national team’s training camp has played a key role in sharpening the athletes’ readiness ahead of the Games.
“Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said.
The sprinter also urged Nigerians to rally behind Team Nigeria throughout the competition.
“I want Nigerians to support us—not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much,” he added.
Ashe’s confidence comes as the Federal Government unveiled a financial reward package for medal winners at the Games.
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,000 and bronze medallists $1,500, while coaches of medal-winning athletes will earn performance bonuses of $5,000. He also confirmed that the payment of camp allowances has commenced to ensure athletes are fully motivated ahead of the competition.
Nigeria is expected to field a strong contingent in Glasgow, including world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and several other elite athletes competing across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports.
Judges’ Welfare Key to Judicial Independence, Says FCT Chief Judge
Oyo kidnappings : Senate donates N50m to families of slain teachers, soldiers
Reps demand Full List of N34tn Customs Waivers, Probe Revenue Discrepancies
-
News22 hours agoNSITF presents 78 beneficiaries with prostheses
-
News14 hours agoPolice Arrest Alleged Fake Agency DG Adeyemi
-
Health14 hours agoWhat is being released to NCDC is a drop in the ocean- Senate C’ttee laments
-
Sports14 hours agoAshe declares readiness for Commonwealth Games
-
Economy13 hours agoPension assets rise 51% to N31.48tn in two years, says PenCom DG
-
News14 hours agoPolice hunt killers of Kwara farmer found hacked to death
-
Sports18 hours agoSpain thrash France, zoom into World Cup final
-
Foreign14 hours agoSouth Africa Confirms Visa-Free Entry for 22 African Countries, Excludes Nigeria