Nigeria’s Super Eagles hope for a World Cup lifeline as FIFA reviews the NFF protest over DR Congo player eligibility

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is confident the Super Eagles could receive another chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as FIFA reviews the country’s protest against DR Congo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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After losing the African play-off final to DR Congo on penalties last November in Morocco, Nigeria filed a protest alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players.

The intercontinental play-offs are set for March 26–31 in Mexico, where DR Congo will face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for a spot at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“We are still waiting for them to reach out to us,” NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned. It is now left to FIFA to decide,” he added.

Nigeria’s protest centers on the alleged illegal nationality switch by some DR Congo players. FIFA allows players to change the national association they represent only once, provided they meet written requirements and hold a passport of the new country.

However, Congolese law prohibits dual nationality, which the NFF claims DR Congo officials did not disclose.

“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” Sanusi explained.

“But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”

Players remain hopeful. Midfielder Alex Iwobi said, “I mean, we’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”

If Nigeria’s protest is upheld, the Super Eagles would compete in the Mexico play-offs and could potentially advance to Group K, where Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia await.

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, noted that the final decision could reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport depending on FIFA’s ruling.

“It requires a lot of things, and by the time it is finally decided, whether Nigeria wins or DR Congo wins, I believe the case might even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Dikko said.

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The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.