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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed widespread reports claiming that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been officially ended, stating that it has not received any ruling from world football governing body FIFA regarding the eligibility dispute involving DR Congo.
The federation said it is still awaiting an official response from FIFA over the protest it filed after the 2025 CAF play-off final.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire clarified that the federation has not been formally notified of any outcome on the matter.
“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.
“Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them.”
Olajire’s remarks came after several media platforms circulated reports suggesting that FIFA had already confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, effectively eliminating Nigeria from the qualification race.
Those reports were based on a FIFA statement that read: “All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”
However, the statement referenced by the reports was originally released on November 18, 2025—weeks before Nigeria formally submitted its protest. The document therefore does not reflect any updated ruling on the complaint currently being reviewed by FIFA.
The dispute traces back to November 2025, when DR Congo defeated Nigeria in the CAF play-off final to claim Africa’s slot in the inter-confederation qualification tournament. The match ended 1–1 after regulation time before the Congolese side triumphed in a penalty shootout.
Following the defeat, the NFF lodged a formal protest in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded players who were not eligible under nationality regulations. Among the players cited in the complaint were Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi explained the basis of the federation’s protest at the time.
“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 claims, dismissing Nigeria’s protest as an attempt to overturn the result outside the pitch.
Officials from DR Congo described the allegations as a move by Nigeria to “win via the back door,” insisting that all their players met FIFA’s eligibility requirements.
Although FIFA has acknowledged receiving the complaint from Nigeria, the global body has not yet announced when a final decision will be issued.
The uncertainty surrounding the case has created anxiety within the football community, particularly as the inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.
DR Congo are currently listed as Africa’s representative in the tournament and are expected to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in the next stage.
Reports indicate that officials in Jamaica have also expressed concerns that a late ruling by FIFA could disrupt travel arrangements and preparation plans for participating teams.
For Nigeria, the outcome of the case carries significant weight. The Super Eagles are eager to avoid missing back-to-back World Cups after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Despite finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and boasting a squad that includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 tournament now depend entirely on FIFA’s pending verdict.
Some analysts have urged patience among Nigerian supporters as the process continues.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye advised fans to remain calm and wait for FIFA’s official ruling.
“We should wait for FIFA to make the decision. Remember that Bafana Bafana had points taken away right at the last minute. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared,” Gaye said during an appearance on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme.
For now, the NFF maintains that the protest remains under review and insists that Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup are still alive until FIFA delivers its final decision.
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