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. […]
