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World football governing body, FIFA, is set to deliver a crucial verdict on Monday, February 16, over a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the eligibility of several players used by the DR Congo national football team during their 2026 World Cup African play-off clash against Nigeria.
The petition stems from the dramatic encounter in November 2025, where the Nigeria national football team were knocked out following a tense 4–3 penalty shootout defeat.
The loss ended Nigeria’s hopes of securing direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Shortly after the match, the NFF launched an investigation into the eligibility status of certain DR Congo players.
On December 15, 2025, the federation formally submitted a protest to FIFA, alleging that six Congolese players who featured in the decisive fixture were ineligible due to issues surrounding recent nationality switches.
According to the NFF, the players in question may not have fully met FIFA’s requirements governing changes in national allegiance before representing DR Congo in competitive fixtures. The Nigerian football body insists that it would not have pursued the matter if it lacked strong grounds.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the case, stating that the federation believes it has presented substantial evidence.
“We have a good case… we do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility,” he said, reinforcing the federation’s belief that the petition carries merit.
Members of the Super Eagles have also reacted to the development. Midfielder Alex Iwobi admitted that the team remains hopeful as they await FIFA’s ruling. “We are still waiting; hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” he said, echoing the cautious optimism shared by millions of Nigerian fans.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into the qualification process.
This would potentially see them compete in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled to take place in Mexico next month, offering another chance to secure one of the final available slots for the global tournament.
However, officials from DR Congo have consistently dismissed the allegations. They maintain that all players fielded during the match were eligible under FIFA regulations. Supporters of the Congolese side argue that qualification should be determined strictly by results on the pitch rather than legal or administrative challenges.
As anticipation builds ahead of Monday’s announcement, Nigerian football supporters remain anxious yet hopeful. The decision could dramatically alter Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup or confirm their elimination from the competition.
For now, the fate of the Super Eagles lies in FIFA’s hands, with a ruling that could reshape the narrative of Nigeria’s World Cup journey.
#Sports
#Nigeria
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