Nigeria’s football community is growing increasingly frustrated as FIFA continues to delay a decision on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off — a ruling that could determine whether the Nigeria national football team receive a lifeline to the tournament.
The dispute, lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in December, centres on claims that some DR Congo players were ineligible under Congolese law, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship. Nigeria argues that certain members of the Congolese squad hold European passports, raising questions about their compliance with domestic nationality rules.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to progress to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team. However, the NFF maintains that the eligibility issue undermines the legitimacy of that result.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has insisted that the matter is about regulatory compliance, arguing that FIFA may have been misled during the clearance process. On the other hand, the Congolese Football Federation has dismissed Nigeria’s protest as an attempt to overturn the outcome off the pitch.
While FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the case, no timeline has been given for a final verdict. NFF officials say no ruling has been communicated to either federation, dismissing circulating claims of a decision as false.
The stakes are significant. Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, risk missing a second consecutive World Cup. DR Congo, meanwhile, are hoping to return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Observers warn that a late administrative decision could disrupt preparations for the intercontinental play-off and create scheduling complications. Jamaica, in particular, is said to be monitoring the situation closely, concerned that any last-minute ruling could affect travel plans and tactical preparations.
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The delay has sparked heated debate among fans. Some believe Nigeria should focus on future competitions rather than rely on an administrative reversal, while others argue that if eligibility rules were breached, FIFA has a duty to act.
For the players, the uncertainty adds to the tension. Midfielder Alex Iwobi recently admitted the squad is still waiting for clarity, expressing hope that the team will ultimately secure a path to the World Cup.
As the countdown to the next phase of qualification continues, the Super Eagles’ fate remains uncertain. Whether Nigeria’s hopes will be revived through a regulatory decision — or finally laid to rest — now rests in FIFA’s hands.
