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Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup are now tied to a tense decision behind closed doors at world football’s headquarters, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation has formally asked FIFA to review last year’s play-off defeat to the DR Congo national football team, which ended on penalties in Morocco.
The officials believe several Congolese players were not fully cleared to switch international nationality before taking part in the tie, something FIFA rules allow only once and only with proper approval.
BREAKING NEWS: FIFA is set to deliver a crucial ruling on Monday, February 16, regarding Nigeria’s 🇳🇬eligibility protest against DR Congo , with the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance. pic.twitter.com/nf4fSDAX4Q
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 14, 2026
The NFF insist they have gathered strong documents and would not have pushed the case this far without being confident of their evidence.
A positive ruling could reopen Nigeria’s route to the tournament, sending them back into the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico, just one step from qualification.
But as the verdict draws closer, reports from football circles suggest DR Congo are also working hard off the pitch.
Sources claim influential figures connected to Congolese football have been speaking to key powerbrokers in the game, including Véron Mosengo-Omba, who has long-standing links within global football and to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 19, 2026
No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented, but the timing has fuelled debate across Africa’s football community.
The Congolese FA strongly denies breaking any rules, saying all players were properly cleared.
FIFA is said to be handling the case carefully, with both nations prepared to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport if unhappy with the outcome.
Nigeria last featured at the World Cup in 2018 FIFA World Cup, after missing the edition in Qatar. DR Congo, meanwhile, are chasing a first appearance since the 1970s.
