Uncertainty continues to hang over Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes as FIFA delays its decision on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during last year’s African play-offs.
Nigerians were left anxiously awaiting a ruling on Monday amid growing anticipation, with the intercontinental play-offs scheduled to take place between March 26 and 31 in Mexico.
The Super Eagles had missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup but secured a place in the African play-offs, where they were eventually knocked out by DR Congo via a penalty shootout.
However, the controversy surrounding that defeat has kept Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive, following the NFF’s formal complaint alleging irregularities in the eligibility of some Congolese players.
Despite widespread speculation and unverified reports circulating on Monday, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau confirmed that the federation was yet to receive official communication from FIFA.
“We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God,” Gusau said.
DR Congo have already been paired against the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs, with two World Cup slots at stake, adding urgency to the pending decision.
Reaffirming the federation’s confidence, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi insisted that Nigeria’s petition was grounded in a credible case.
“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned. That is our submission — it is now left to FIFA to decide,” he said.
At the heart of Nigeria’s protest is the alleged improper switch of nationality by certain DR Congo players. Under FIFA statutes, players are permitted to change the national association they represent only once, and must submit a formal, substantiated request which is subject to approval by FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee.
The regulations further stipulate that a player must possess a valid passport of the country they wish to represent, regardless of any additional nationality.
With the play-offs fast approaching, pressure is mounting on FIFA to deliver a verdict that could have far-reaching implications for both teams, as Nigeria await clarity on whether their World Cup dream will be revived or finally extinguished.
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