2026 World Cup: FIFA declines NFF’s petition against DR Congo, denying the Super Eagles a spot in the intercontinental playoffs
The source claims that FIFA decided that the NFF’s case was insufficient to stop DR Congo from moving on to the March intercontinental play-offs. Consequently, the Nigerian petition was denied.
According to report, The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup again through the intercontinental play-off route have been essentially dashed after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had its petition over the alleged ineligibility of a player fielded by the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association rejected.
However, the source revealed that FIFA has instructed the parties to refrain from making any public announcements because the international organization alone is in charge of formally announcing the ruling.
The ruling virtually ends the Super Eagles’ chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico, as they will not be able to compete in the six-nation intercontinental play-off tournament.
The argument started when Nigeria lost to DR Congo 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Morocco during the African play-off final in November. The Super Eagles were not directly qualified for the expanded global tournament as a result of that defeat.
The NFF formally petitioned FIFA on December 15, 2025, claiming that six Congolese players who had recently changed their national team were ineligible to play in the pivotal match.
The Nigerian federation’s executives at the time openly declared their belief in the strength of their argument.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi stated ;
“We have a good case. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”
FIFA has now finished its investigation and ruled that the complaint does not justify changing the African play-off’s sporting result, despite the rumors.
DR Congo is still scheduled to participate in the intercontinental play-offs in March, where the last qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup will be determined, following the petition’s dismissal.
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