NIGERIA’s hopes of keeping its 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive may rest on a crucial decision expected Monday as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) prepares to rule on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that barring any last-minute delay, FIFA is scheduled to deliver its verdict on February 16 regarding allegations that several Congolese players were ineligible during last year’s African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
At the centre of the protest are claims that up to nine players fielded by DR Congo violated their country’s nationality laws, which reportedly prohibit dual citizenship.
Nigeria had lost the decisive playoff on penalties in Morocco, a result that sent DR Congo forward to claim Africa’s slot in the intercontinental playoff.
However, the NFF argues that the outcome was fundamentally compromised by what it describes as wrongful clearance of players who allegedly hold European passports, contrary to Congolese law.
Among those specifically mentioned in the petition are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that the federation’s case is supported by documented evidence.
“The petition covers nine DR Congo players. FIFA was misled into clearing them because it does not interpret domestic citizenship laws. Congolese law forbids dual nationality, yet some of the players involved allegedly hold foreign passports. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” Sanusi said.
The Nigerian football body maintains that FIFA’s eligibility clearance process may have overlooked contradictions between international football statutes and domestic Congolese nationality law.
Monday’s ruling could significantly alter the World Cup qualification picture.
The winner of the dispute will represent Africa in next month’s intercontinental playoff in Mexico, where they are scheduled to face the winner of a tie between Jamaica national football team and New Caledonia national football team.
For Nigeria, a favourable ruling could reopen the door to the global tournament. For DR Congo, an adverse decision could erase what appeared to be a hard-fought qualification.
Nigerian officials have pointed to FIFA’s recent disciplinary action against Malaysia over player eligibility violations as evidence that the global football body treats such matters seriously when backed by credible documentation.
Meanwhile, anxiety lingers within Nigerian football circles over the reported involvement of Véron Mosengo-Omba, Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Mosengo-Omba, a Swiss-Congolese national and close associate of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has been mentioned in speculation surrounding the case. Though no official accusation has been made, some sources allege that Francophone African nations may be lobbying for a favourable outcome for DR Congo.
Both Nigeria and DR Congo are reportedly prepared to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should FIFA’s decision go against them.
Given the high stakes both sporting and reputational, FIFA is said to be approaching the matter with exceptional caution to avoid legal backlash or controversy that could cast a shadow over the qualification process.
As Monday approaches, tension is mounting among Nigerian fans and football stakeholders who believe the ruling could either resurrect the Super Eagles’ World Cup aspirations or confirm their elimination.
For now, all eyes are on FIFA and a decision that could reshape Africa’s path to Mexico 2026.