Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed after world football governing body FIFA dismissed the country’s appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had approached FIFA following the Super Eagles’ defeat to DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff final played on November 16 in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1–1 after regulation time, with DR Congo prevailing 4–3 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
In its petition, the NFF alleged that some DR Congo players who featured in the encounter were ineligible, citing purported breaches of competition rules.
However, FIFA, after reviewing the submission, ruled that the players in question were duly registered and eligible to participate, adding that no violations of its statutes or the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition regulations were established.
The ruling confirms DR Congo’s place in the intercontinental playoff and formally brings Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign to an end.
The decision has compounded disappointment among Nigerian football fans who had hoped the appeal might provide a pathway back into the tournament.
The outcome represents another setback for the Super Eagles following a challenging and ultimately unsuccessful qualifying campaign.
