Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive, but only just. The Super Eagles are currently waiting on a decisive ruling from FIFA following an appeal lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation against Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The case centres on Nigeria’s dramatic World Cup play-off defeat in Rabat, where DR Congo advanced after a penalty shootout win. Weeks later, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that the Leopards fielded ineligible players in breach of eligibility regulations. As things stand, Nigeria wait, while DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental play-offs.
Why Nigeria appealed the result
The Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign appeared to end in Morocco after a 1-1 draw followed by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo. That result sent the Leopards through to the intercontinental play-offs, seemingly shutting the door on Nigeria’s route to the tournament.
However, the NFF reopened the matter by submitting a formal complaint to FIFA, alleging that several DR Congo players were ineligible to feature in the decisive match. The federation has asked for the result to be overturned, which could yet hand Nigeria a second chance to qualify.
DR Congo have rejected the allegations, insisting all players were cleared by FIFA before the match and that the outcome should stand.
NFF confident as FIFA reviews the case
Despite the uncertainty, the Nigeria Football Federation remains confident that its appeal has merit. NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed has publicly backed the process, insisting the complaint is not speculative.
“We have a good case. We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility.”
“As far as we are concerned we have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA will say as regards to the complaints we have logged.”
As of late January, FIFA was still reviewing the petition, with no official timeline given for a final decision. Reports suggest a verdict will arrive this month, keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive – at least for now.
DR Congo move on while Nigeria wait
While Nigeria await clarity, DR Congo remain listed as Africa’s representatives in the intercontinental play-offs, scheduled for March in Mexico. The Leopards are due to face opponents including Jamaica or New Caledonia, with two World Cup spots on offer.
For now, DR Congo are acting as a team expecting to be at the tournament, while Nigeria are left in limbo, unable to plan beyond waiting for FIFA’s ruling.
Iwobi: belief remains despite the uncertainty
The prolonged uncertainty has taken an emotional toll on the Super Eagles squad, but belief has not disappeared. Speaking on SuperSport Football, Alex Iwobi admitted the situation has been draining, while stressing that hope remains.
“I mean, we’re still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”
“We are still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup” — Alex Iwobi. ?
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 6, 2026
pic.twitter.com/vshNi8vpoe
What happens next?
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could yet be reinstated into the qualification picture, potentially replacing DR Congo in the intercontinental play-offs. If the appeal fails, Nigeria will officially miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.
Until FIFA delivers its verdict, Nigeria’s fate remains unresolved – suspended between heartbreak and hope.
