The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reiterated its confidence in the country’s petition to FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in November’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off, insisting the case is solid as the Super Eagles await a final ruling.
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Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup suffered a major setback after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the decisive play-off final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, a defeat that appeared to consign the five-time African champions to a second consecutive absence from the global showpiece.
However, weeks after the loss, the NFF confirmed it had formally submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo breached eligibility regulations by fielding players who were not qualified to feature in the fixture.
With FIFA yet to make its position public, uncertainty continues to surround the outcome of the case, even as both federations await a verdict from world football’s governing body.
The move by the NFF has drawn criticism in some quarters, including from former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, who questioned the decision to pursue qualification through administrative channels rather than results on the pitch.
Despite the criticism, the NFF has maintained that its action is justified.
Speaking on the matter, NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, said the federation would not have proceeded with the complaint without strong confidence in its merits.
“We have a good case,” Sanusi said. “We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility.”
He added that FIFA is still reviewing Nigeria’s submission and that the federation remains patient while awaiting an official response.
“As far as we are concerned, we have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA will say regarding the complaints we have lodged,” he stated.
The NFF’s petition centres on alleged breaches of FIFA eligibility rules, reportedly linked to issues of nationality. DR Congo have denied any wrongdoing and, for now, retain their status as Africa’s representatives in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Under the current arrangement, DR Congo are scheduled to take part in the six-team inter-confederation play-off tournament set for March 26 and 31, 2026, in Mexico.
The competition will determine the final qualification places for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Other teams involved in the tournament include Iraq, Jamaica, Suriname, New Caledonia and Bolivia, with DR Congo due to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
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