World football’s governing body, FIFA,has yet to rule on a petition filed by the Nigerian Football Federation,alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during last November’s African play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigerian football officials and fans awaited a decision Monday as the intercontinental play-offs are scheduled for March 26-31 in Mexico.
Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, failed to secure automatic qualification during last year’s qualifying campaign but advanced to the African play-offs, where they lost to DR Congo in a penalty shootout.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the federation was still awaiting formal communication from FIFA.
“We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God,” Gusau said.
DR Congo has been drawn to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for one of the two remaining World Cup slots.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation believed it had a strong case.
“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned,” Sanusi said. “It is now left to FIFA to decide.”
Nigeria’s protest centers on the alleged improper switch of nationality by some DR Congo players. Under FIFA statutes, a player may request to change the national association they represent only once, subject to a written application and approval by FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee.
FIFA regulations also require a player to hold a passport of the country they intend to represent. Nigerian officials argue that Congolese law does not permit dual nationality, a point they say is central to their complaint.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi said the players remained hopeful. “We’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” he said.
Shehu Dikko, chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, said the dispute could ultimately be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA issues its decision.
“All I know is that FIFA is still handling the petition,” Dikko said last month in Morocco.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be played from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
