NFF FIFA World Cup verdict claims dismissed as federation says no formal FIFA ruling has been issued on the DR Congo eligibility dispute

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed reports that Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes are over, insisting that no formal ruling has been issued by FIFA regarding the eligibility dispute involving DR Congo national football team.

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NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire told PUNCH Sports Extra on Wednesday that the federation had not received any official correspondence from FIFA.

“The NFF have not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved,” Olajire said.

He added that the federation remained in active anticipation of a decision.

The clarification followed widespread media reports claiming FIFA had confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs, effectively ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

Those reports relied on a FIFA statement published on November 18, 2025, which confirmed the six teams for the tournament.

However, the statement predated Nigeria’s formal protest and did not constitute a fresh ruling on the complaint.

The dispute dates back to November 2025 when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final.

The NFF filed a protest in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players.

Among those named were former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.

The NFF argued that their participation breached Congolese nationality law and FIFA eligibility regulations.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi maintained that the federation’s protest was grounded in legal concerns.

“The Congolese rule says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said.

The Congolese Football Federation rejected the protest, describing it as an attempt to secure qualification by other means.

FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the case but has not provided a timeline for its decision.

The delay has fuelled mounting anxiety in Nigeria, with the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.

DR Congo are due to face either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team.

The stakes are immense for Nigeria. The Super Eagles risk missing a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Despite securing bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the team’s global ambitions remain uncertain.

Key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi would be central to any late qualification breakthrough.

African football analyst Mamadou Gaye urged patience, citing past precedents in qualification disputes.

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For now, the federation’s position remains firm. No NFF FIFA World Cup verdict has been communicated, the protest stands, and Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive pending FIFA’s final decision.