World Cup: Nigeria awaits outcome as FIFA delays DR Congo verdict

The World football governing body,  FIFA, is yet to deliver its verdict on Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.

Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF,  submitted its petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging the eligibility status of the players. FIFA has since been reviewing the matter. The NFF alleged that six Congolese players had recently switched international allegiance and were ineligible at the time of the match.

The NFF submitted the petition after Nigeria’s qualification campaign suffered a major setback in November 2025, after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final African playoff.

Nigerians were anxiously waiting on Monday for the outcome of the ruling, as the intercontinental play-offs are scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31 in Mexico.

Several unconfirmed reports circulated on Monday regarding the team’s fate, but NFF President Ibrahim Gusau shut down those reports and said the federation was still awaiting communication from FIFA.

“We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God,” Gusau said.

If FIFA supports Nigeria, they will be allowed to take part in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament, which will take place in March in Mexico.

Winning a top spot in that tournament would earn Nigeria one of the remaining African spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.