The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive, refuting rumors that the nation has already been eliminated from consideration.
The federation declared that it has not heard anything official from FIFA about the DR Congo national football team’s eligibility dispute.
Speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire stated that allegations making the rounds in the media were based on an outdated FIFA publication rather than a recent ruling about Nigeria’s protest.
FIFA has not sent the NFF any official correspondence at all. Olajire told Punch that no information could be provided with journalists without first visiting the relevant federations.
Yes, we’re still waiting. FIFA has yet to provide us with a formal statement. Let the people who are sharing the old quotes keep doing so.
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the inter-confederation play-offs were almost eliminated after multiple reports stated that DR Congo had been confirmed as Africa’s representative.
“All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers,” according to a FIFA statement cited in those stories.
But long before Nigeria filed its protest, on November 18, 2025, the statement was released. It did not answer the NFF’s criticism, instead referring to the conclusion of qualifying matches at the time.
The controversy began when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final in November 2025. Africa’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs was guaranteed by the victory.
The next month, Nigeria formally protested, claiming that DR Congo had played ineligible players, such as former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
Mohammed Sanusi, the general secretary of the NFF, described the federation’s stance at the time.
Some of their players hold passports from Europe and France, despite Congolese law prohibiting dual nationality. “We argue that FIFA was tricked into clearing them,” Sanusi stated.
The Congolese Football Federation has denied the allegations, characterizing the demonstration as Nigeria’s attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has recognized the allegation and stated that the issue is being investigated, but the governing organization has not provided a deadline for its ruling.
As the inter-confederation play-offs approach, the delay has increased anxiety. DR Congo will play either the Jamaican national football team or the New Caledonian national football team in the event, which is set for March 26–31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.
After failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is desperate to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup. Prominent players like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen are part of the Super Eagles team.
Mamadou Gaye, an African football analyst, asked fans to be patient as FIFA finishes its investigation.
“We ought to hold out till FIFA makes the choice. Recall that points were taken away from Bafana Bafana at the final minute. He stated on Soccer Africa that Nigeria needs maintain composure and readiness.
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