Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has insisted, dismissing reports that the country has already been knocked out of contention.
The federation stated that it has not received any official communication from FIFA regarding the eligibility dispute involving the DR Congo national football team.
Speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said claims circulating in the media were based on an old FIFA publication and not a fresh decision on Nigeria’s protest.
“The NFF have not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved,” Olajire told Punch.
“Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them.”
Several outlets had earlier reported that DR Congo had been confirmed as Africa’s representative for the inter-confederation play-offs, effectively ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Those reports relied on a FIFA statement, which read: “All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”
However, the statement was published on November 18, 2025, well before Nigeria filed its protest. It referred to the completion of qualification matches at the time and did not address the NFF’s complaint.
The row dates back to November 2025 when DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final. The victory secured Africa’s slot in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Nigeria formally lodged a protest the following month, arguing that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both former England youth internationals.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi outlined the federation’s position at the time.
“The Congolese rule says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said.
The Congolese Football Federation has rejected the claims, describing the protest as an attempt by Nigeria to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has acknowledged the complaint and confirmed the matter is under review, but the governing body has not given a timeline for its decision.
The delay has heightened tension as the inter-confederation play-offs draw closer. The tournament is scheduled for March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, where DR Congo are due to face either the Jamaica national football team or the New Caledonia national football team.
Nigeria are desperate to avoid missing a second straight World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Super Eagles squad features high-profile names such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye urged supporters to remain patient while FIFA completes its review.
“We should wait for FIFA to make the decision. Remember that Bafana Bafana had points taken away right at the last minute. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared,” he said on Soccer Africa.