Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup now depend on a decision expected from FIFA on Monday, February 16, following a formal protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation against DR Congo.
The NFF submitted its complaint on December 15, 2025, claiming that six DR Congo players who featured in the African playoff final in November were ineligible due to recent changes in international allegiance. Nigeria lost that decisive match 4-3 on penalties after a tightly contested encounter, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign.
The federation has maintained confidence in its position as it awaits the governing body’s verdict. NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi expressed belief in the strength of the case, stating, “We have a good case. We do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”
Players within the squad have also remained hopeful. Midfielder Alex Iwobi said, “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles would be reinstated into the qualification process and advance to the six team Intercontinental Play Off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico. Success in that playoff competition would secure one of the remaining African slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For now, Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions rest entirely on FIFA’s ruling, with the decision set to determine whether the Super Eagles journey to the global tournament will be revived or finally brought to an end.
