The much awaited verdict by global soccer governing body, FIFA, over a protest lodged against DR Congo by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected at the start of next week, Sports247 gathered.
This was made known by a top shot in the NFF, who affirmed that they all remain hopeful of a positive verdict that would clear the Super Eagles for next month’s intercontinental play-off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This comes a few days after Eagles’ in-form midfielder, Alex Iwobi said during the outgoing week that he remains optimistic they would still play at this year’s Mundial, which will be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
To reach that historic outing, the Eagles will hope for a favourable verdict from FIFA to be announced between Sunday and Monday, when the ruling on NFF’s petition is now expected to be made public.
“It’s most likely that FIFA will rule on this matter either February 15 or 16th. The initial date is 15th, but it’s a Sunday, and it is not really a working day in Europe. But what is very clear is that the verdict is now very close,” an official revealed.
A verdict in favour of the NFF would pave way for Iwobi and his pals to tango either Jamaica or New Caledonia in one of two finals of the World Cup qualification intercontinental play-off billed for next month in Mexico City.
This means two stages are still remaining – one in the board room and the other on the field of play – for Iwobi’s 2026 World Cup wish to become a reality, but NFF secretary-general, Dr Mohammed Sanusi says it will come to pass.
The NFF scribe enthused as much during the week, when he affirmed that the NFF had done everything needed in proving that DR Congo falsified the documents of seven players to get their elllegibility statuses approved by FIFA.
With FIFA’s verdict on the NFF’s protest now looming large, Sanusi declared, “We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned.”
