- Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain despite reports of elimination.
- FIFA reviewing Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo player eligibility.
- Super Eagles urged to remain patient ahead of play-offs.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has insisted, dismissing reports that the country has been eliminated.
The NFF stated that it has not received any official communication from FIFA regarding the eligibility dispute involving the DR Congo national football team.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said media claims were based on an old FIFA publication, not a new ruling on Nigeria’s protest.
“The NFF have not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved,” Olajire said. “Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them.”
Earlier reports suggested DR Congo had secured Africa’s inter-confederation play-off slot, ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes. These reports referenced a FIFA statement from November 18, 2025, which predated Nigeria’s protest and only reflected the completion of qualification matches at that time.
The dispute stems from DR Congo’s penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the CAF play-off final in November 2025. Nigeria formally protested in December 2025, claiming DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both former England youth internationals.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi argued, “The Congolese rule says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players hold European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them.” DR Congo’s football federation dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has acknowledged the complaint and confirmed it is under review but has not provided a timeline. The inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled for March 26–31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, with DR Congo set to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Nigeria, seeking to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup after Qatar 2022, features stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. African football analyst Mamadou Gaye urged patience.
“We should wait for FIFA to make the decision. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared,” he said.
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