By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
FIFA will announce its decision on Monday, February 16, on Nigeria’s formal complaint against DR Congo for allegedly fielding six ineligible players during the African playoff final last November, a ruling that could reinstate the Super Eagles into the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged the protest on December 15, 2025, claiming the DR Congo players had improperly switched international allegiance, potentially deceiving FIFA despite valid paperwork. A favorable outcome would propel Nigeria into a March playoff in Mexico against the Jamaica-New Caledonia winner, offering a last shot at the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament.
Nigeria’s campaign ended in heartbreak with a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo after the November 2025 playoff, following group stage struggles and earlier boosts like South Africa’s points deduction for an ineligible player.
Background on the Dispute
The NFF highlighted six DR Congo players in the playoff final who featured despite recent allegiance switches, urging FIFA to enforce strict eligibility rules as in past cases like South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena incident. Precedents bolster Nigeria’s case, with FIFA prioritizing regulatory consistency across confederations. Nigeria topped no group for automatic qualification, relying on playoffs after Eritrea’s withdrawal adjusted standings, but the penalty defeat sidelined them—pending this appeal.
Super Eagles fans and officials express cautious optimism, with social media buzzing: “We’re waiting,” as one Vanguard report captured. Success revives redemption hopes post the on-pitch elimination; failure ends Nigeria’s 2026 dreams for a second straight cycle.
FIFA’s verdict, expected via official channels, underscores ongoing scrutiny of African qualifiers amid eligibility controversies.
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