President Donald Trump’s fresh visa restrictions is set to affect Nigerians who are planning to travel to the US for the 2026 World Cup.
On Tuesday, Trump signed a Proclamation which 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” that threaten U.S. national security and public safety.
Nigeria is among the 15 additional countries now subject to partial restrictions.
This means that Nigerians with Immigrants and Non-Immigrants visas in the categories of B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas are hereby suspended.
Officials at the American Embassy have also instructed to reduce the validity for any other Non-Immigrant visas that have already been issued to Nigerians.
Another reason for the decision of the American government is the fact that some Nigerians overstay their visas when they visit the US.
This comes amid reports that the Super Eagles could possibly still play at next year’s World Cup if their appeal to FIFA questioning the eligibility of some DR Congo players is successful.