The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted reports suggesting that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are finished, maintaining that it has not received any official communication from FIFA regarding the eligibility case involving DR Congo.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said the federation is still awaiting a formal response from the world football governing body.
“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.
“Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them,” Olajire said.
His remarks followed widespread media reports claiming that FIFA had confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative for the inter-confederation play-offs, effectively ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Those reports referenced 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, that statement was originally issued on November 18, 2025, before Nigeria lodged its protest, and did not reflect any fresh decision on the pending complaint.
The controversy stems from November 2025, when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final to secure Africa’s slot in the inter-confederation tournament. The NFF subsequently filed a protest in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, citing both Congolese nationality laws and FIFA eligibility regulations.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi explained the federation’s stance 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.
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The Congolese Football Federation rejected the allegations, describing the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
While FIFA has acknowledged receipt of the complaint, it has not indicated when a final ruling will be delivered. The delay has generated concern in Nigeria, particularly with the inter-confederation play-offs set to take place between March 26 and 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico. DR Congo are currently scheduled to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Officials in Jamaica have reportedly expressed worry that a late decision could disrupt travel and preparation plans, leaving teams in uncertainty.
For Nigeria, the implications are significant. The Super Eagles are hoping to avoid missing a second straight World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Despite finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and boasting a squad featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, their fate now rests on FIFA’s pending decision.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye urged calm among Nigerian supporters.
“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,” Gaye said on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme.
For now, the NFF maintains that no ruling has been issued, the protest remains under review, and Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are not yet extinguished.