Correction: An earlier version of this report suggested that FIFA had concluded its review of the protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation over the eligibility of players used by the DR Congo national football team. The NFF has since clarified that no official verdict has been communicated by FIFA and the matter remains under investigation.
The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed reports suggesting that FIFA has already ruled on Nigeria’s petition concerning the eligibility of players fielded by the DR Congo national football team during the African qualifying play-off for the 2026 World Cup.
Speculation intensified in recent days after FIFA released the schedule for the intercontinental play-off tournament, a development that led to widespread claims that the global football body had concluded its review of the protest submitted by Nigeria.
The dispute stems from the play-off final played on 16 November 2025, when the Nigeria national football team were beaten 4–3 on penalties by DR Congo following a draw in regulation time. The result appeared to end Nigeria’s chances of reaching the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament.
However, the situation took a new turn weeks later when the Nigerian federation filed a formal petition to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several players used by the Congolese side. The complaint, submitted in December, asked the governing body to review whether the players met the requirements to represent the country under FIFA regulations.
Despite the ongoing process, rumours circulated in the media suggesting that FIFA had already issued a decision after announcing fixtures for the intercontinental play-off competition scheduled to take place in Mexico.
Responding to the claims, the NFF insisted that it had not received any official communication from FIFA regarding the outcome of the protest.
According to Woramangra, who cited the federation’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, the reports were inaccurate.
Olajire reportedly stated that the federation had yet to receive a formal ruling from FIFA and maintained that the NFF would be officially notified before any such information becomes public.
The federation is therefore awaiting FIFA’s decision as preparations continue for the intercontinental play-off tournament scheduled for 27–31 March 2026.
Matches in the competition will take place in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey, where teams from different confederations will compete for the remaining places at the 2026 World Cup.
For Nigeria, the outcome of FIFA’s review remains significant, as a favourable ruling could reopen a path back into the global qualifying contest after the Super Eagles’ defeat in the African play-off final.