NFF: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup

NFF: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reaffirmed Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following reports that Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) could face sanctions for allegedly fielding ineligible players.

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes suffered a setback in November 2025, when DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties to claim Africa’s place in the Intercontinental Play-Offs.

However, those hopes have been reignited amid claims that up to six DR Congo players who switched nationality may not have completed the required eligibility process.

Read Also: 2026 World Cup: Nigeria’s hopes revived by DR Congo players’ ineligibility claims

According to reports, the players in question allegedly failed to formally renounce their previous nationalities, a requirement under FIFA regulations, potentially rendering them ineligible for the decisive CAF play-off final.

In swift response, the NFF has formally petitioned FIFA, challenging DR Congo’s use of the players during the 2026 World Cup play-off final. The federation is seeking sanctions that could overturn the result and reopen Nigeria’s path to qualification.

Read Also: 2026 World Cup: Nigeria’s hopes reignited as NFF petitions FIFA over DR Congo eligibility

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the federation is confident of a favourable outcome and is awaiting FIFA’s ruling.

“We have a good case,” Sanusi said during a radio interview with Brila FM. “We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are waiting for what FIFA will say regarding the complaints we have lodged.”

Should Nigeria’s appeal succeed, the Super Eagles would advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off scheduled for March.

The Intercontinental Play-Off will determine the final two qualification slots for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially offering Nigeria a late opportunity to secure a seventh World Cup appearance.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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