The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has maintained that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive, rejecting rumors that the nation has already been eliminated from consideration.
Regarding the eligibility dispute concerning the national football team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the federation claimed to have not received any official correspondence from FIFA.
Speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire stated that rumors going around in the media were not based on a new ruling on Nigeria’s objection, but rather on an old FIFA article.
“The NFF has not heard from FIFA in any official capacity. Without first visiting the relevant federations, no information can be given with journalists, Olajire told Punch.
Yes, we still have to wait. We are currently awaiting official word from FIFA. Permit the people who have been sharing the previous quotes to keep doing so.
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the inter-confederation play-offs were all but eliminated when it was announced by a number of sources that DR Congo would represent Africa.
According to a FIFA statement cited in those publications, “All six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”
But the statement was released on November 18, 2025, a long time before Nigeria lodged its protest. It did not answer the NFF’s objection and instead made reference to the qualification matches that had been completed at the time.
The dispute began in November 2025, following a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final, when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties. Africa’s spot in the interconfederation play-offs was guaranteed by the victory.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, two former England youth internationals, were among the ineligible players that DR Congo fielded, according to Nigeria’s formal protest the following month.
At the time, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi described the federation’s stance.
Some of their players hold passports from both Europe and France, despite Congolese law prohibiting dual nationality. We argue that FIFA was tricked into clearing them,” Sanusi stated.
The allegations have been denied by the Congolese Football Federation, which characterizes the demonstration as an effort by Nigeria to “win via the back door.”
Although FIFA has recognized the allegation and stated that the issue is being investigated, the governing organization has not provided a deadline for its ruling.
Tension has increased as the inter-confederation play-offs approach due to the postponement. The tournament is set to take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, from March 26 to 31. DR Congo will play either the national football teams of Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Following their failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is desperate to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup. The Super Eagles team includes well-known players like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen.
Mamadou Gaye, an African football analyst, asked fans to be patient while FIFA finishes its investigation.
“We ought to wait for FIFA to decide. Recall that Bafana Bafana experienced a last-minute point deduction. Nigeria should continue to be composed and ready, he stated on Soccer Africa.
