Nigeria’s bid to keep its 2026 World Cup dream alive remains unresolved, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) dismissing widespread reports that the country has already been eliminated from contention.
The federation says it is still waiting for an official response from FIFA regarding a protest linked to the eligibility of players used by the DR Congo national football team during last year’s African play-off final.
NFF Denies Reports Of Elimination
Speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire clarified that the governing body has not received any formal correspondence from FIFA concerning the case.
According to him, the claims circulating in parts of the media were based on an outdated FIFA statement issued months before Nigeria’s complaint was submitted.
Olajire insisted that until FIFA communicates directly with the federations involved, any speculation about Nigeria’s fate is premature.
Old FIFA Statement Sparks Confusion
The confusion arose after several reports cited a FIFA release confirming six teams for the inter-confederation play-offs, including DR Congo.
The statement — published on November 18, 2025 — listed Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname as teams that had secured places in the play-offs.
However, the NFF argues that the announcement simply reflected the situation immediately after qualification matches concluded and did not take into account Nigeria’s later protest.
Dispute Traces Back To CAF Play-off Final
The controversy stems from the dramatic African play-off final in November 2025, when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw to claim the continent’s spot in the inter-confederation tournament.
Nigeria officially lodged a complaint in December, alleging that the Congolese side fielded players who were not eligible under nationality rules.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated at the time that the federation believed FIFA had been misled regarding the status of some players.
Among those cited were Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom previously represented England at youth level.
Sanusi argued that Congolese nationality regulations do not allow dual citizenship, claiming that some players involved possessed European passports.
DR Congo Reject Accusations
The Congolese Football Federation has strongly denied the allegations. Officials there have described Nigeria’s protest as an attempt to overturn the result through administrative means rather than on the pitch.
FIFA Yet To Announce Decision
FIFA has acknowledged receiving Nigeria’s complaint and confirmed the matter is under review, but it has not indicated when a final verdict will be delivered.
The uncertainty comes with the inter-confederation play-offs fast approaching. The tournament, scheduled for March 26–31 in Mexico, will determine the final teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo are currently slated to compete in the event and could face either the Jamaica national football team or the New Caledonia national football team.
Nigeria Eager To Avoid Another World Cup Absence
Nigeria are desperate to keep their qualification hopes alive after missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Super Eagles squad includes several high-profile players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
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Football analyst Mamadou Gaye has urged fans to remain patient while FIFA reviews the case, noting that football governing bodies have previously imposed late sanctions that altered qualification outcomes.
For now, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain uncertain — but, according to the NFF, they are far from over.