Super Eagles’ World Cup Fate Hangs in Balance As FIFA Remains Silent

Super Eagles’ World Cup Fate Hangs in Balance As FIFA Remains Silent

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed concern over FIFA’s continued silence regarding its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), following the Super Eagles’ defeat in the final match of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo at the end of extra time in the playoff match held in Rabat, Morocco, in November. Subsequently, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded several ineligible players during the decisive encounter.

The Nigerian federation is seeking the disqualification of DR Congo from the World Cup qualifiers, arguing that the alleged rule violations warrant Nigeria being awarded Africa’s qualification slot instead.

In the weeks since the petition was filed, media reports have suggested that Nigeria could prevail and advance to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico in March. However, a senior NFF official has confirmed that FIFA is yet to respond.

“There has been no response from FIFA, and this is worrying,” the official told The Guardian on Tuesday. “We are approaching the end of January, and by now one would expect FIFA to have communicated its position on our petition against DR Congo.

“It is important for us to have clarity on the matter so the NFF can properly plan and prepare the Super Eagles for what lies ahead,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, previously indicated that the matter could ultimately be resolved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), should either party contest FIFA’s eventual ruling.

Speaking to The Guardian in Rabat during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, Dikko noted that both federations retained the option of escalating the case. “If Nigeria wins the petition, DR Congo could approach CAS, and if the decision goes the other way, Nigeria may also seek redress at CAS. It is still a long process,” he said.

The eventual winner of the dispute is expected to face the victor of the inter-confederation playoff between Jamaica and New Caledonia in March, with the match slated for Mexico.

Despite the uncertainty, many Nigerian football fans remain hopeful that the petition will be resolved in the Super Eagles’ favour, keeping alive the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.