Faruk Manzo Qualifies To Send Nigeria To The Esports Nations Cup 2026
9 August 2026
Following a rigorous African Qualifier Process, Faruq Manzo has qualified through the EA FC African ENC Qualifiers to join Eyetonghan Callistus of Chess as the first-ever International qualification for EA FC and the second confirmed participant for Nigeria at the Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh this November.
Faruk Manzo (born June 9, 2002) is a professional EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) esports athlete and content creator widely recognised as the best EA FC player in Nigeria. Hailing from Abuja, he has risen to dominate the continental gaming scene through his competitive drive, tactical mastery, and ice-cold composure. Manzo made history by winning the first and second ever Nigeria National E-Soccer League, with many other National and International honours to his name.
Over the weeks leading up to the ENC Qualifiers, Faruk Manzo, led by Playwithtomide, was in Paris, France, alongside Killafreak, Baji Jr and Adefola to scale through the Esports World Cup Qualifiers before heading down to Egypt for an intensive two weeks of training in preparation for the Esports Nations Cup Qualifiers
He would then participate in the EA SPORTS FC Open Pro Ladder from the 29th of July to the 9th of August to make his way into the 118-player leaderboard alongside Adefola and Killafreak to challenge in the final Swiss qualifier event for the EA FC ENC 2026 Bracket
Faruq Manzo playing as maliantics37 would then emerge as the sole representative for Nigeria, winning 4 out of the 7 Swiss matches and finishing as the first-placed Nigerian on the EA SPORTS FC ENC Qualifier - Africa Bracket and will now join Eyetonghan Callistus of Chess to represent Nigeria as the first-ever International qualification for EA FC and the second confirmed participant for Nigeria at the Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh.
Many now look forward to a successful campaign as Faruk Manzo is now set to compete alongside the best in the world once again on the International stage in November for the Esports Nations Cup