By Abiola Olawale
The fate of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions remains shrouded in uncertainty as football’s global governing body, FIFA, deferred its highly anticipated verdict on the eligibility protest filed against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While a definitive ruling was expected on Monday, February 16, 2026, the latest reports indicate the matter has been elevated to the FIFA Council for an emergency session.
Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal petition following the Super Eagles’ heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to the Leopards in the African playoff final last November.
Several unconfirmed reports circulated on Monday regarding the team’s fate, but NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the federation was still awaiting communication from FIFA.
“We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God,” Gusau said.
DR Congo have been drawn to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for a chance to secure one of the two available World Cup slots.
As the play-offs approach, a verdict from FIFA is expected soon, with the NFF maintaining confidence in its case.
“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned. That is our submission — it is now left to FIFA to decide,” the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, told The PUNCH.
Nigeria’s protest is based on the alleged improper switch of nationality by some DR Congo players.
According to FIFA statutes, a player may request to change the association they are eligible to represent only once. The process requires a written and substantiated application, carried out in line with domestic regulations and approved by FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee.
FIFA regulations require a player to hold a passport of the new country they wish to represent — even if they also possess another nationality. However, Congolese law does not permit dual nationality, a point believed to be central to Nigeria’s complaint.
Like the NFF, there remains a sense of hope among the players.
“We’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” midfielder Alex Iwobi said recently.
