Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the second consecutive FIFA World Cup, a few Nigerians will still play important roles in different capacities at the world’s biggest football tournament. Aside from top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by former President Amaju Pinnick who sits on the Organising Committee for FIFA competitions, football enthusiast Hilary Damissah has joined a global diversity team selected as volunteers to assist in key areas for a smooth and memorable World Cup.
Rigorous Selection Process
After passing multiple layers of a rigorous FIFA screening procedure, including a thorough background check and online assessment, Damissah—a versatile multimedia journalist with over 25 years of experience in print, broadcast, digital media, and public relations—was among the applicants who made the final quota for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteers Community. The 2026 volunteer community is the largest in FIFA history, with over 60,000 members committing to a minimum of eight shifts of at least six hours each.
Benefits and Roles
In return, participants receive an official multi-piece uniform, exclusive event merchandise, certification, and meals during their shifts. Role assignments are staggered across 23 functional areas, including media operations, hospitality, transportation, and guest services at official sites. Damissah’s accreditation adds to his portfolio of international events, which includes strategic partnerships and participation at CABSAT 2016 in Dubai, the International Telecommunications Union World in Bangkok 2013, Samsung African Forum in Cape Town 2012, and the Ghana-Nigeria Tourism and Culture Showcase, which he coordinated for three editions.
Stationed at NRG Stadium
Damissah will be stationed at the 72,000-capacity NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, which will host seven matches: five group games, one round of 32, and one round of 16. Interestingly, Nigeria’s Achilles heel from the final qualifying round, DR Congo, will play one of their group games at this venue. Other teams hosted at NRG Stadium include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.
