SPORTS NEWS:The US President Donald Trump,Subtly Threatens Nigeria Over World Cup

US President Donald Trump sent out a subtle threat to Nigeria and Africa on Monday.

The American leader asked African nations to support the joint North American bid to host the 2026 World Cup, despite FIFA’s cautioning against political influence last week.

During a press conference at the White House with President Muhammadu Buhari, he said “I hope, all African countries and countries throughout the world, that we also will be supporting you, and that they will likewise support us in our bid along with Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup,”

He went on to be subtle about USA supporting only African nations that lend their support, he added “We will be watching very closely and any help that they could give us in that bid we would appreciate.”

Trump’s comments come days after he tweeted that the U.S. may stop supporting countries that lobbied against a joint North American bid for the World Cup.

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The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?

12:39 AM - Apr 27, 2018

Trump tweeted “The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup,
“It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?”

World football governing body FIFA, in turn, warned the leader of allowing political influence in the bidding process.
FIFA’s statement read “As a general rule, we cannot comment on specific statements in connection with the bidding process,”
“We can only refer to the FIFA Regulations for the selection of the venue for the final competition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and in particular to the Bid Rules of Conduct incorporated therein.”

Northern African nation Morocco, is the only other country bidding on the 2026 World Cup, a situation that could lead to crossroads for fellow African countries in the voting process.
On 13 June 2018, the host will be announced in Moscow, Russia after every member nations of FIFA has turned in their votes.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, after FIFA approved expansion from 32 teams.