Omotayo Fashola
The Nigeria Football Federation has refuted allegations suggesting Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup aspirations are under threat. The NFF clarified that FIFA has not released any official statement regarding the eligibility controversy involving DR Congo, dismissing media reports as outdated. According to PUNCH Sports Extra, the circulating claims were based on a FIFA document from November 2025, not a recent decision.
Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, stated on Wednesday that the federation is awaiting formal updates from FIFA.
“The NFF has not been officially notified by FIFA. Any updates must first reach the concerned federations before reaching the press.
“We are still anticipating FIFA’s official response. Those circulating old statements are free to do so,” Olajire remarked.
The rebuttal followed sensational headlines claiming FIFA had already confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the inter-confederation playoffs, effectively ending Nigeria’s World Cup hopes. These reports cited a FIFA announcement from November 2025, which listed DR Congo among the six playoff qualifiers—long before Nigeria lodged its protest.
The controversy stems from Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final in November 2025. The NFF later contested the eligibility of several Congolese players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, arguing they violated FIFA’s rules and Congolese laws prohibiting dual citizenship.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi reiterated the federation’s stance:
“DR Congo’s laws forbid dual nationality, yet some players hold European passports. We believe FIFA was misled into approving their participation.”
The Congolese Football Federation dismissed Nigeria’s protest as a desperate maneuver, while FIFA confirmed the case remains under review without specifying a timeline. The delay has heightened tensions in Nigeria, with the playoffs scheduled for late March in Mexico.
Jamaican officials have also expressed concerns, warning that a last-minute ruling could disrupt their preparations. Nigeria, meanwhile, faces the grim possibility of missing back-to-back World Cups despite boasting elite talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye advised patience, citing South Africa’s past experience with late FIFA rulings. “Nigeria must stay composed. Decisions can come at the eleventh hour, as seen with Bafana Bafana,” he noted on SuperSport.
For now, the NFF maintains that no decision has been made, keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
