FIFA is set to deliver a crucial ruling on Monday, February 16, regarding Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo, with the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed the formal complaint on December 15, 2025, alleging that six DR Congo players who featured in the November 2025 African playoff final were ineligible due to recent switches in international allegiance.
The match ended in heartbreak for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties after a tense encounter, eliminating them from direct qualification and ending their campaign at that stage.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has voiced strong confidence in the federation’s case. “We have a good case. We do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed the optimism, telling reporters: “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles would be reinstated and advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico. A top finish in that playoff would secure one of the remaining African slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes now rest entirely on the outcome of Monday’s high-stakes FIFA meeting, with millions of fans and the entire Nigerian football community awaiting the verdict that could rewrite the Super Eagles’ World Cup story.
