By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still open, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said, rejecting claims that the country has already been eliminated from the race.
The federation explained that it has not received any official message from FIFA concerning the dispute over the eligibility of some players who featured for the DR Congo national team.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Director of Communications of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, said the reports circulating online were based on an old FIFA publication and not a new decision regarding Nigeria’s complaint.
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 said.
He added that the federation is still waiting for FIFA’s response on the matter.
“Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them.”
Earlier reports had claimed that DR Congo had already secured Africa’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs, which would mean Nigeria no longer had a chance to qualify.
Those claims were based on a FIFA statement that 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 released on November 18, 2025, before Nigeria submitted its protest. It referred to the teams that had qualified at that time and did not address Nigeria’s complaint about the match.
The dispute began in November 2025 after DR Congo defeated Nigeria in the CAF play-off final. The match ended 1–1 before DR Congo won through a penalty shootout, earning Africa’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Nigeria later filed a formal protest in December, claiming that DR Congo used players who were not eligible to represent the country. Among the players mentioned were Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom previously represented England at youth level.
At the time, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi explained why the federation raised the complaint.
“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 denied the accusation. It described Nigeria’s protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has confirmed that it received the complaint and that the matter is being examined. However, the football governing body has not announced when a final decision will be made.
The delay has increased tension as the inter-confederation play-offs approach. The competition will take place from March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico. DR Congo are currently expected to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Nigeria are hoping to avoid missing two consecutive World Cups after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The current Super Eagles squad includes notable players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye advised fans to remain calm while waiting for FIFA’s verdict.
“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.