The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain on the edge of their seats as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) awaits a critical verdict from FIFA that could dramatically resurrect the country’s hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Despite losing the African playoff final to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on penalties in Morocco last November, growing confidence within the NFF suggests that the fight for a ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico is far from over.
At the heart of the saga is a petition filed by the NFF alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the playoff series.
The protest hinges on the accusation that certain Congolese players failed to follow proper FIFA procedures for switching nationality. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the federation’s stance, expressing optimism about the outcome.
He told PUNCH Sports Extra that they are still waiting for FIFA to reach out but believe they have a genuine chance, noting that the petition would not have been filed if the case lacked merit.
The NFF argues that while FIFA statutes allow players to switch allegiance, the process must align with domestic laws.
The petition reportedly highlights that Congolese law forbids dual nationality, potentially invalidating the eligibility of players who hold passports from other nations.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favor, the Super Eagles would replace DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 26–31, 2026, in Mexico.
A victory there against the winner of the New Caledonia vs. Jamaica tie would secure one of the final two slots for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
The uncertainty has trickled down to the squad, with players holding onto a glimmer of hope. Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi recently admitted the situation is tough but maintained that the dream is alive, stating that the team is still waiting and hopeful of making it to the World Cup.
As the March dates for the intercontinental playoffs draw closer, a decision from FIFA is expected imminently.
However, the legal battle may not end there, as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has hinted that regardless of FIFA’s ruling, the matter could eventually be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the aggrieved party.
For now, Nigeria waits, hoping for a boardroom victory that will grant them a second chance to earn glory on the pitch.
