Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may get a major boost as FIFA prepares to rule on a petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the DR Congo national team.
The NFF lodged the complaint in December, claiming that at least six players who featured for DR Congo in last November’s African play-off final were ineligible to participate. The federation stated that the players in question had recently switched national allegiances without completing the necessary formalities.
In the decisive match, the Super Eagles were defeated 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw that extended through extra time. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has expressed confidence in the federation’s position.
“We believe we have a strong case, and we’re waiting for FIFA’s decision on our complaints,” Sanusi said. A ruling in Nigeria’s favour could potentially overturn the result of the play-off final.
That would pave the way for the Super Eagles to replace DR Congo in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March.