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2026 World Cup: FIFA to rule on Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo Monday


The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear good, as the world football governing body FIFA reportedly prepares to deliver a high-stakes ruling on Monday, February 16, on Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.

The FIFA meeting is expected to address several issues, including the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) complaint.

NFF Challenges DR Congo Over Player Eligibility

Nigeria’s qualification campaign suffered a major setback in November 2025 after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final African playoff.

However, the NFF subsequently filed a formal petition, alleging that six Congolese players had recently switched international allegiance and were ineligible at the time of the match.

The federation submitted its petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging the eligibility status of the players. FIFA has since been reviewing the matter.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s case and remains optimistic about a positive outcome.

“We have a good case,” Sanusi said. “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.”

Iwobi Hopeful as Intercontinental Play-Off Looms

Super Eagles midfielder Alex iwobi also remains hopeful that Nigeria can still secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup  despite the uncertainty.

"We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup,” Iwobi said.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles will advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off scheduled for March in Mexico, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.

Beyond determining Nigeria’s immediate fate, the decision could set an important precedent for how FIFA handles eligibility disputes amid increasingly complex nationality regulations in modern football.



~businessday.ng 

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