Nigeria 2026 World Cup hopes now rest on FIFA ruling after petition against DR Congo over ineligible players

Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup now rests entirely on a pending decision from FIFA following a petition over the eligibility of Democratic Republic of Congo players.

Also read: Messi Kicks Off MLS Season in Pivotal World Cup Year

National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko briefed President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, explaining that no official verdict has been issued and that the matter is entirely in FIFA’s hands.

Dikko told journalists that FIFA has not provided a timeline for when the case will conclude.

He dismissed several unverified reports circulating online, stressing that no decision has been communicated to either football federation involved.

“Even FIFA, it’s not FIFA deciding. There are independent bodies in FIFA, the disciplinary committee, ethics committee, and they won’t tell you when they are sitting. When they finish, they will tell the world,” Dikko said.

The petition originated after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties in the African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a formal protest in December, claiming that DR Congo fielded players who were not eligible under national citizenship laws. The Congolese federation disputes the allegations.

The case has been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, where it is being reviewed under regulatory and legal frameworks rather than sporting sentiment.

Dikko noted that the legal process involves extensive documentation, nationality verification, and adherence to FIFA statutes.

“If it is legal issues, we have a good case. That’s why we submitted the case,” he said.

Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s protest, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into the 2026 World Cup qualification race.

The ruling may also trigger sanctions against DR Congo, potentially reshaping Africa’s representation at the expanded tournament.

Officials emphasised that only an official FIFA announcement will confirm the outcome, with no back-channel communications considered valid.

Also read: Living Faith Pastor Sentenced to Death for Murder in Uyo

The presidency’s involvement highlights the national significance of the case, now treated as a priority for Nigerian football.