The Super Eagles have been placed on notice after top football officials confirmed that FIFA has fixed a date to deliver a verdict on Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo following their 2026 World Cup playoff clash in Rabat, Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
The NFF filed the petition after Nigeria’s playoff defeat to DR Congo, a match that ended 1-1 after extra time before the Congolese side won 4-3 on penalties. That result sent DR Congo through to the intercontinental playoffs, while Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were put on hold.
Nigeria’s complaint centres on allegations that DR Congo fielded several players who were not eligible for the playoff fixture. The NFF insists those players did not meet the required criteria to represent the central African nation under FIFA’s eligibility rules and has formally requested that DR Congo be removed from the qualifiers.
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According to an exclusive report by Score Nigeria, while the exact date has not been made public, officials within the Nigeria Football Federation have been informed that a decision is expected next month.
The playoff match in Rabat was tightly contested. Nigeria took the lead in regulation time, only for DR Congo to respond before the end of the match. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, pushing the tie into a penalty shootout that DR Congo edged 4-3.
Following that victory, DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoffs, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the playoff tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia. That fixture is set to take place in March in Mexico, with the successful side earning a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria’s petition, if upheld, could change that sequence of events. The NFF has argued that fielding ineligible players compromises the integrity of the competition and warrants sanctions under FIFA rules. Officials have maintained that their protest is based on documentary evidence and existing eligibility guidelines.
FIFA has not commented publicly on the specifics of the case but has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that its disciplinary and legal committees are handling the matter.
For now, Nigeria waits. The Super Eagles remain on alert as the football world governing body prepares to rule on a case that could reshape the African qualification picture and reopen a path to the 2026 World Cup.
