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World Cup play off: Super Eagles’ hopes fade as FIFA confirms DRC spot

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a final blow after world football body FIFA confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter confederation play off tournament. In a tournament accreditation notice and subsequent communications, FIFA listed DR Congo among the six teams that will compete in the play off, leaving no space for the Super Eagles, who had challenged their defeat to the Congolese side. Nigeria lost to DR Congo in the intercontinental play off final in Rabat, with the match ending 1–1 in regulation time before the Leopards won 4–3 on penalties to claim Africa’s last slot. The Nigeria Football Federation later petitioned FIFA, alleging that some DR Congo players were ineligible and that competition rules had been breached, but FIFA ruled that all the players were properly registered and cleared to play. […]

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DR Congo eligibility row: FIFA silence keeps Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes in suspense

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup through a petition against DR Congo remain in limbo as FIFA continues to delay a verdict on the eligibility case. The Nigeria Football Federation is challenging DR Congo’s use of several players in last November’s African playoff final, which the Super Eagles lost on penalties. The NFF alleges that some DR Congo stars held dual citizenship and did not fully comply with both Congolese law and FIFA’s nationality switch rules before playing in the tie. Officials argue that the Congolese federation misled FIFA during player clearance, and are pushing for DR Congo’s disqualification and Nigeria’s reinstatement into the intercontinental playoff in Mexico. Reports earlier suggested that FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee would announce its decision in February, giving clarity before the March 26–31 play‑off window. However, as at mid February, Nigerian officials say they […]

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Super Eagles line up Jordan friendly as World Cup fate hangs on FIFA ruling

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have scheduled an international friendly against Jordan in Amman next month, even as their 2026 World Cup fate remains uncertain. The match is expected to hold during the March 23–31 FIFA window and would be the first ever senior meeting between the two countries. Jordan, nicknamed The Chivalrous Ones, will use the game as part of preparations for their debut World Cup appearance, where they will face Argentina, Algeria and Austria in the group stage. For Nigeria, the fixture is designed to keep the team active and assess new players while waiting for FIFA’s verdict on their eligibility protest against DR Congo. The Nigeria Football Federation has challenged DR Congo’s use of several players in last year’s African play off final, claiming they switched allegiance without fully meeting FIFA rules and referencing dual citizenship issues. A decision […]

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Iran in talks with Nigeria for pre World Cup friendly in March

Iran’s national team has opened talks with the Nigeria Football Federation to arrange a pre World Cup friendly match in March as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports from Tehran Times, Iran plans to play two warm up games in March, one against Nigeria and another against Costa Rica. Iran, who have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, are finalising their build up schedule ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Earlier suggestions that they would face Spain and Portugal in friendlies have been revised, with focus now on opponents from Africa and CONCACAF. For Nigeria, the potential fixture depends on FIFA’s ruling on the country’s eligibility protest against DR Congo over the World Cup play off. If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super […]

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‘We’re waiting’ – Nigerians divided as FIFA decides World Cup case

Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings as they await FIFA’s ruling on the country’s petition against DR Congo over the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The decision, expected on Monday, will determine whether Nigeria’s complaint about player eligibility can revive the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the tournament. On social media, some fans say they are hopeful but insist Nigeria should not qualify “through the back door” if DR Congo is punished. Others argue that if rules were broken, FIFA must apply sanctions even if it means overturning results decided on the pitch. Nigeria’s petition centres on claims that several DR Congo players held dual nationalities in violation of Congolese law, which reportedly bans dual citizenship. Officials have alleged that some players were cleared despite holding European passports and being over 21, which they say made the process fraudulent. Reports abroad […]

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Iwobi hopes Super Eagles still make 2026 World Cup

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi says he is still hopeful that Nigeria will feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite uncertainty over their qualification status.​ Speaking to Supersport Football, the Fulham star admitted the team is in a “waiting” situation as the country looks to FIFA for a possible lifeline after losing their playoff to the Democratic Republic of Congo.​ Iwobi was asked whether he would rather win the 2025 AFCON or qualify for the World Cup. He said the choice is difficult because lifting the AFCON trophy would be a huge legacy, but many of his teammates have never played at a World Cup and dream of doing so.​ He explained that he has already experienced the World Cup in 2018, so he does not want to be selfish by choosing AFCON glory at the expense of his […]

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Key facts about Nigeria’s World Cup eligibility battle with DR Congo

How the match was decided Nigeria and DR Congo met on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, in a one‑off CAF playoff final to decide who would reach the inter‑confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead early, but Meschack Elia equalised before half‑time, and after a tense extra time finished 1–1, DR Congo won 4–3 on penalties, with captain Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive spot‑kick.​ For DR Congo, the victory offered a realistic route back to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and rewarded years of rebuilding around Europe‑based talent. For Nigeria, it confirmed a second straight World Cup absence and intensified scrutiny of the coaching crew, NFF leadership and the long‑term planning of the Super Eagles.​ The eligibility complaint After the match, attention shifted from tactics to paperwork. In December 2025, […]

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Deschamps relishes Mbappe Haaland showdown in 2026 World Cup group

France coach Didier Deschamps says he is excited by the prospect of a World Cup group stage showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland after France were drawn with Norway for the 2026 tournament.​ Speaking after Friday’s draw in Washington, Deschamps called the meeting of the Real Madrid and Manchester City stars a “beautiful duel”, noting that both are global icons and leading contenders for the Golden Boot.​ France and Norway will face each other in Group I alongside Senegal, with the final team to come from an intercontinental playoff between Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname, in what Deschamps described as one of the toughest groups.​ Mbappe has already scored around 30 goals in 24 appearances for club and country this season, while Haaland has hit more than 30 in a similar number of games, form that underlines expectations around their […]

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Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup draw over US visa row

Iran says it will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in the United States, protesting visa restrictions that could prevent its officials from attending the ceremony. The draw is scheduled to take place in the US, one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.​ Iranian football authorities argue that current US entry rules and political tensions could stop members of their delegation from securing visas. They insist that all qualified teams should be guaranteed equal access to attend official FIFA events, including the final draw.​ Officials in Tehran say they have raised their concerns with FIFA, warning that hosting a major football event in a country with strict visa limits undermines the principle of fairness. They contend that sports events should remain neutral spaces, free from political pressure or discrimination.​ The boycott threat adds […]

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Nigeria to Face Gabon in World Cup Play-off Semi-final

Nigeria's Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match-up was confirmed after both teams secured their places as two of the four best runners-up from the group stage. Nigeria qualified with a 4-0 victory over Benin, while Gabon finished second in their group. The single-leg semi-final will be played in Morocco on November 13th. The other semi-final will feature Cameroon against DR Congo. The winners of both matches will meet in the final on November 16th. The ultimate winner of the play-off tournament will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 for a final chance to qualify for the World Cup.

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