The world football governing body, FIFA, officially launched its final 100-day countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, yet remained completely silent on the anticipated disciplinary verdict involving Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a celebratory post shared on its official X handle, FIFA highlighted the magnitude of the upcoming global tournament, writing, “The biggest-ever @FIFAWorldCup is just 100 days away! 48 teams. 104 games. 11 June to 19 July.” A follow-up post added that June 11, 2026, marks “the opening scene to the greatest show in the world,” making reference to the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa.
However, conspicuous by its absence in the global excitement is any update regarding the pending complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the DR Congo over the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
The dispute stems from the African playoff final in November 2025, where the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo after a tense penalty shootout. The victory secured DR Congo’s place in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.
In December 2025, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that DR Congo had fielded ineligible players during the crucial match. Specifically, the NFF claimed that former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe featured for the Leopards in direct violation of both FIFA eligibility rules and Congolese national laws, which strictly prohibit dual citizenship.
More than two months have passed since the petition was submitted, and while FIFA previously confirmed the matter was under review, no ruling has been issued. Meanwhile, the DR Congo squad is already preparing for their intercontinental playoff matches later this month, where they could face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
The prolonged delay has sparked widespread criticism in Nigeria. Football stakeholders and passionate fans have voiced intense frustration over the lack of clarity from FIFA as the World Cup rapidly approaches.
If FIFA upholds the NFF’s complaint, it could result in the immediate disqualification of DR Congo, potentially reinstating the Nigerian Super Eagles into the qualification process just weeks before the intercontinental playoffs begin.
