- FIFA has reportedly informed the Nigeria Football Federation when its verdict on the DR Congo will be passed
- NFF submitted a petition to the world football governing body on DR Congo players’ eligibility in December
- The NFF argues that FECOFA deceived FIFA into approving the nationality switch of some of its players
FIFA has reportedly informed the Nigeria Football Federation of the date it will pass a verdict on Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup case against DR Congo.
NFF submitted a petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging the eligibility of six Congolese players, who recently switched their international allegiance.
Source: Twitter
Nigeria claimed that the players defied the Congolese constitution, which forbids dual citizenship, as the players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, did not relinquish their European passports.
DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in the final of the African play-off on November 16 and is due to face the winner of Jamaica vs New Caledonia in the final of the intercontinental play-off in March.
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2026 World Cup: NFF issues update on case against DR Congo as FIFA verdict looms
However, the NFF wants the Leopards kicked out for fielding ineligible players, arguing that FIFA approved their change of teams under deception.
If successful, Nigeria will have another chance at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify automatically from the group and losing the playoff.
FIFA sends message to NFF
FIFA has reportedly notified the NFF when the verdict on its World Cup case against DR Congo will be passed.
According to Score Nigeria, a source in the NFF claimed that FIFA has set a date of February 15 to pass the verdict, two months after the petition was submitted.
“It’s most likely that FIFA will rule on this matter either February 15 or 16th. The initial date is 15th, but it’s a Sunday and it is not really a working day in Europe. But what is very clear is that the verdict is now very close,” the source said.
If successful, Nigeria will replace DR Congo in the intercontinental play-offs for another chance to qualify for the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles have benefited from off-pitch decisions in their quest to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since the 2018 edition in Russia.
Though the Super Eagles failed to capitalise, FIFA sanctioned South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
Eritrea’s withdrawal opened the path for Nigeria to qualify for the play-offs. Nigeria beat Benin to the play-off spot in Group C, having picked fewer points against bottom-placed Zimbabwe, and qualified ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference.
NFF issues update on World Cup case
Legit.ng reported that the NFF issued an update on the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup case against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
NFF general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that Nigeria has a strong case and is awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the case.
Source: Legit.ng