2026 World Cup: FIFA yet to rule on Nigeria-DR Congo dispute — NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has not received any official communication from FIFA regarding reports that Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over.

The NFF made this known while reacting to widespread media reports that Democratic Republic of Congo had been confirmed as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs, a development that many interpreted as ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

Speaking on the development on Wednesday, the NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said the football body had not received any fresh ruling from FIFA and was still awaiting formal communication on the matter.

Olajire explained that the statement cited by several media platforms was not a new announcement but part of a FIFA publication released in November 2025 after the completion of the qualification process at the time.

Olajire added that FIFA would normally notify the football associations involved before any official information is released publicly.

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The dispute began after DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties following a 1–1 draw in the CAF play-off final in November 2025, securing Africa’s place in the global play-offs.

The NFF subsequently filed a protest with FIFA in December, alleging that the Congolese side used ineligible players, including former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, which it said violated eligibility rules and the country’s laws on dual citizenship.

FIFA confirmed that it was reviewing the complaint but has not yet issued a verdict, even as the inter-confederation play-off tournament approaches.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 26 to March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico, where DR Congo are expected to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.

The Star