NFF denies World Cup exit, says FIFA yet to communicate verdict

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over, insisting that no formal communication has been received from FIFA regarding the pending eligibility dispute involving DR Congo.

NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, told Very Nigerian on Wednesday that the federation remains in a state of active anticipation and has not been officially informed of any ruling.

“The NFF have not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved. Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them,” Olajire said.

His clarification followed several media reports claiming that FIFA had confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, with headlines declaring Nigeria’s World Cup dream effectively over.

The reports relied on a FIFA statement which read, “All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.” However, that statement was published on November 18, 2025, months before Nigeria’s protest was filed, and referred to the completion of the qualification process at the time, not any fresh ruling on the NFF’s complaint.

The dispute dates back to November 2025 when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF play-off final to secure Africa’s slot in the inter-confederation play-offs. The NFF subsequently filed a formal protest in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, in violation of Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship, and FIFA eligibility regulations.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi maintained that the federation’s protest was based on legal and regulatory grounds, arguing that some players allegedly held European passports despite local nationality restrictions. The Congolese Football Federation, however, dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”

FIFA confirmed it was reviewing the matter but has not provided a timeline for a decision. The delay has fuelled frustration in Nigeria as the inter-confederation play-offs draw closer.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, where DR Congo are expected to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia. Officials within those camps have reportedly expressed concern that a late ruling could disrupt preparations.

For Nigeria, the stakes are significant. The Super Eagles risk missing a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar. Despite finishing as bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and boasting a squad that includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, the team’s path to the 2026 tournament remains uncertain pending FIFA’s verdict.

For now, the NFF insists no final decision has been communicated, the protest remains under review, and Nigeria’s qualification hopes are still alive.

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