Nigeria's football authorities remain hopeful for a favorable ruling from FIFA on a petition challenging DR Congo's eligibility in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs, despite the Congolese team being listed among participants. The dispute stems from Nigeria's penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in November 2025, with allegations of six ineligible players fielded by the opponents. While officials urge calm, critics and fans express skepticism over the prolonged silence from FIFA.
Nigeria's Super Eagles were eliminated from direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-0 draw with DR Congo in the African playoff final on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, losing 4-3 on penalties. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a petition with FIFA on December 15, 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded six ineligible players, including former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had not properly completed their nationality switch under FIFA regulations.
FIFA has yet to issue a verdict, even as it released details for the intercontinental playoff tournament scheduled from March 26 to 31, 2026, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico. The list includes Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname, with DR Congo set to face the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia on March 31. National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko addressed the anxiety, stating to The Guardian: “As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict. We are monitoring the situation closely. The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition.” He added that FIFA communicates decisions through established channels and expressed hope that Nigeria would prevail, allowing the Super Eagles to participate.
However, skepticism abounds. Former NFF Technical Committee Chairman Chris Green suggested the silence indicates no ruling may come, noting: “The silence from FIFA may be a sign that there might not be any verdict.” Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo accused the NFF of using the petition to deflect criticism, saying: “We played football on the field of play and we lost. Why then go to FIFA?” Fans echoed this on social media, with one user stating: “FIFA already posted the fixtures for the playoffs with DRC. They’ve indirectly told us it’s over.”
If FIFA rules in Nigeria's favor before the tournament, DR Congo could be disqualified, reinstating the Super Eagles in their place. Meanwhile, DR Congo faces visa issues for Mexico, as their collective application was rejected due to incomplete documentation. Nigeria has scheduled friendlies against Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in Amman as preparation. The case highlights ongoing administrative challenges in Nigerian football, following a qualification campaign marked by coaching changes under Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle.
