World football governing body FIFA will on Monday deliver its verdict on Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo over the eligibility of six players who featured in the November 2025 African playoff that ended the Super Eagles’ direct qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged the complaint on December 15, 2025, claiming the Congolese players had switched international allegiance too recently to be fielded. Nigeria lost the decisive tie 4-3 on penalties.
A favourable ruling would reinstate the Super Eagles into the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico, where the top finisher earns Africa’s final berth at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi expressed confidence in the federation’s case. “We have a good case. We do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged,” he said.
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed the national anxiety. “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup,” he told reporters.
FIFA has given no indication of when exactly on Monday the decision will be announced.
