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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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FIFA verdict: 10 key facts about Nigeria’s failed case against DR Congo

Nigeria’s bid to revive their 2026 World Cup hopes through a FIFA petition against DR Congo has ended in disappointment after the world body dismissed their complaint. DR Congo remain confirmed as qualifiers for the intercontinental play off, while the Super Eagles must now watch the tournament from home. Nigeria lost the decisive playoff on penaltiesNigeria’s on field World Cup dream ended when they lost the African playoff final to DR Congo on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. The petition was an attempt to overturn that outcome off the pitch. NFF filed a formal protest to FIFAAfter the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation lodged a detailed complaint with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, alleging that DR Congo used ineligible players during the qualifiers. The case centred on dual nationality claimsNigeria argued that between six and nine DR Congo players […]

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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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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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