- FIFA Set to Rule on Nigeria’s Petition Over DR Congo World Cup Play-Off
- NFF challenges eligibility of six Congolese players.
- Case may proceed to Court of Arbitration for Sport.
World football governing body, FIFA, is set to deliver a decision on Monday on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation that could reshape Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup.
The petition challenges the eligibility of six players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Association during last year’s African play-offs. Nigeria were eliminated on penalties in Morocco, a result that initially ended their qualification hopes.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, the NFF maintains that the process was flawed and insists it followed due procedure in filing its complaint.
“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,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said.
At the centre of the dispute are FIFA regulations governing nationality switches. Under existing rules, a player may change international allegiance only once and must complete a formal approval process before representing another country.
Nigeria’s position is that the Congolese FA misrepresented the eligibility status of the players involved. Reports indicate that the case has drawn attention because of the wider administrative implications, particularly in relation to domestic laws on dual citizenship in DR Congo.
Both parties are reportedly prepared to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if dissatisfied with FIFA’s ruling, prompting careful handling of the case.
If Nigeria’s protest is upheld, the Super Eagles would be reinstated into the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico later this month. They would face the winner of Jamaica and New Caledonia for one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the dispute may not end with FIFA’s verdict.
“It requires a lot of things, and by the time it is finally decided, whether Nigeria wins or DR Congo wins, I believe the case might even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Dikko said.
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