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Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi says the Super Eagles remain focused on their football despite uncertainty surrounding the country’s protest against DR Congo over a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs, Footynaija reports.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes appeared to end in November after they lost to DR Congo on penalties in the African playoff stage. Soon after the defeat, however, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed an official complaint to FIFA, claiming the Congolese side fielded ineligible players during the match. If the protest is upheld, FIFA could remove DR Congo and allow Nigeria to advance to the intercontinental playoffs instead.
With less than a month before the decisive matches, FIFA has yet to issue a final ruling. The governing body recently released a schedule for the playoffs which still includes DR Congo, prompting speculation that Nigeria’s appeal had been rejected. Nigerian officials, however, maintain that the case remains under review.
Ndidi says the players are trying to keep their attention on the pitch rather than the legal dispute.
“To be honest, I don’t really focus on things I cannot control,” Ndidi told the Punch.
“We just concentrate on our football and prepare ourselves the best way possible.
“Of course, everyone wants clarity, but we trust the Nigeria Football Federation and the authorities to handle everything properly.
“As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united, and keep working hard. Nigerian fans always expect the best from us, and we respect that. Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give everything for the country and make Nigeria proud.”
Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup top scorer. Pace, accuracy and finish 👌 Captain @Ahmedmusa718 #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/4aq0vrHMul
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 24, 2023
The intercontinental playoffs are scheduled to take place between 26 and 31 March in Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico. Six nations will compete for the final two places at the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
DR Congo are currently set to face the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia, although that fixture could change if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour.
The NFF has also planned a four-nation tournament for the Super Eagles during the March international window, with games against Iran and Jordan pencilled in, although regional tensions in the Middle East could affect those arrangements.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and are hoping the ongoing appeal may yet reopen a path to football’s biggest stage.
