Nigeria, Dec. 5 -- The world will turn to Washington, D.C., today (Friday) as FIFA conducts the Final Draw for the 2026 World Cup.

Unfortunately, one of the sport's traditional heavyweights is missing from the excitement - Nigeria.

For the second consecutive time, the Super Eagles will watch the biggest showpiece from afar, reduced to spectators while nations with far fewer resources take their place on the global stage.

Today's ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Centre brings together global stars, coaches and officials as 42 already-qualified teams and those still in contention discover their group-stage opponents.

In a tournament expanded to 48 teams - the largest in history - Nigeria's absence stands out sharply.

Africa now enjoys n...