Nigeria are holding their breath as they wait for FIFA’s verdict on their complaint against DR Congo over the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
The Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in November, a defeat that sent the Leopards into the intercontinental qualifiers, but that result is now under intense scrutiny.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has petitioned FIFA, arguing that several DR Congo players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, should not have been eligible to represent the country. Their case hinges on Congolese laws, which, according to the NFF, do not permit dual citizenship, raising questions over the players’ status.
FIFA has confirmed that the case is being examined, though no timeline has been given for when a decision will be announced, leaving fans and players in limbo.
The uncertainty has fueled speculation online, with some reports suggesting that the complaint had already been thrown out, but the NFF insists that is not true. “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false,” NFF communications director Demola Olajire stated, pushing back against premature rumours.
On the other side, DR Congo have firmly rejected Nigeria’s claims and framed the complaint as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch rather than on it. Officials from the Congolese camp have described the move as an effort to “win via the back door,” as they continue preparations for an intercontinental play-off against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in March.
For now, Nigeria’s World Cup dream is alive only on paper, resting on a FIFA judgment that could either reopen their path to the tournament or close the door for good.
