FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo’s player eligibility in the 2026 World Cup playoff, ending their hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece.
The Nigeria Football Federation formally lodged a protest against DR Congo last month, arguing the Leopards fielded unqualified players in the playoff final, held in Morocco.
The West Africa football heavyweights raised concerns about the eligibly of six players, who may not have fully completed their nationality switch process under Congolese law, which forbids dual citizenship.
FIFA has, however, turns down Nigeria’s protest, keeping the original result unchanged and ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying through an administrative decision.
The Leopards prevailed in the playoff final in November after defeating the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
Nigeria will be absent at the global showpiece for the second consecutive time, having missed out in the 2022 tournament, held in Qatar.
During the 2022 playoff, the Super Eagles failed to qualify at the expense of Ghana, who secured a spot at the tournament on away goal rule.
Having triumphed in the African playoff, DR Congo will compete in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 for a slot at the mundial next year.
