The apex football governing body in the world, FIFA, is set to deliver its verdict on Monday, February 16, regarding Nigeria’s eligibility protest against Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The dispute stems from the 2025 African playoff final held in November, where Nigeria’s senior national team, the Nigeria national football team, lost 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. The defeat denied Nigeria an automatic qualification ticket, pushing the country into a battle off the pitch.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently filed an official complaint in December, alleging that at least six DR Congo players who featured in the decisive clash were ineligible to represent the Central African nation. According to the NFF, the players had only recently switched their nationality and, therefore, did not meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements at the time of the encounter.
Speaking on the development, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s position.
“We have a good case,” Sanusi stated. “We don’t go into things that would be a waste of time. We believe we have a strong case, and we are waiting for FIFA’s decision on our complaints.”
The outcome of FIFA’s ruling could have significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes. Should the decision favour the NFF, Nigeria would be granted a place in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled to take place in March in Mexico.
Victory in that tournament would hand Nigeria one of the remaining qualification slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The expanded 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the competition will be staged across three nations.
With the verdict date now confirmed, Nigerian football stakeholders and fans alike await FIFA’s decision, which could either revive the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream or bring a final end to their qualification campaign.
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