FIFA yet to decide Nigeria, DR Congo eligibility case — NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked widespread reports that the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed.

According to the NFF, the reports circulating across several media outlets since Tuesday were lifted from a November 2025 FIFA publication rather than any fresh ruling on the federation’s protest against DR Congo.

NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said the federation has not received any formal communication from FIFA on the matter.

He explained that FIFA would first communicate its decision to the football federations involved before any information becomes public.

Nigeria lodged a protest with FIFA last December over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players in the World Cup qualifying play-off final held in November.

DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1–1 draw in normal and extra time to advance to the inter-confederation qualifying play-offs scheduled to take place later this month in Mexico.