FIFA is expected to deliver its verdict next week on Nigeria’s petition challenging the eligibility of some DR Congo players in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria, who missed out on direct qualification after finishing second behind South Africa in Group C, lost to DR Congo on penalties in the playoff semi-final on November 16, 2025. The defeat ended their hopes of reaching the tournament, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) refused to back down, filing an official complaint to FIFA.
At the centre of the dispute is the eligibility of players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with Nigeria arguing that Congolese law forbids dual citizenship and that the players had not renounced their European passports before switching allegiance.
FIFA has confirmed that the petition is under review. DR Congo, who are due to face the winner of Jamaica vs New Caledonia in the intercontinental playoffs, could see their place affected depending on the ruling.
Opinions in Nigeria remain divided. Some believe the NFF has a strong case, citing FIFA’s past sanctions against Malaysia for falsifying player documents, while others are skeptical about the chances of overturning the result.
For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s decision, which could reshape the playoff path and determine whether Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are revived or finally extinguished.
By Adeolu Johnson, Abuja
