2026 World Cup: NFF Issues Update on Case Against DR Congo As FIFA Verdict Looms
- The Nigeria Football Federation has issued an update about its ongoing petition against DR Congo
- Nigeria alleged that the country deceived FIFA into approving the national switch of some players
- The NFF wants the Leopards kicked out of the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has provided an update about its ongoing petition filed with FIFA against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Leopards of the DRC defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in the final of the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Source: Twitter
As reported by FIFA, DR Congo will face the winner of the semi-final clash between Jamaica and New Caledonia in the final of the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria submitted a petition to FIFA disputing DR Congo's spot, citing the ineligibility of six Congolese players despite their nationality switch being confirmed.
The NFF alleged that the players did not fulfil the Congolese constitution, which forbids dual citizenship, by relinquishing their European passports.
Former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who played a crucial role against Nigeria, was top of the list, as he still holds his British passport.
See the Super Eagles' X post after losing to DR Congo below.
NFF issues update on DR Congo case
The Nigeria Football Federation, through its General Secretary, Dr Mohamed Sanusi, has provided the latest update on the case as FIFA's verdict draws close.
Sanusi, speaking in an interview with Punch, confirmed that the NFF had proceeded with the case when it was certain the argument was strong enough.
“We are still waiting for them to reach out to us,” Sanusi said. “We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned.
“That is our submission; it is now left to FIFA to decide.”
The NFF confirmed it submitted the petition on December 15, 2025, and FIFA is expected to respond ahead of the March international window for the playoffs.
A sanction on Malaysia for falsifying documents to approve the nationality switch of three players was a confidence booster for Nigeria that its case would be successful.
The Super Eagles have enjoyed significant administrative assistance during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, starting from the group stage campaign.
FIFA punished South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding the ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Source: Getty Images
Eritrea’s withdrawal pushed CAF to deduct the points won against the bottom team in each group before selecting the four best second-placed teams.
This helped Nigeria equal Benin’s point tally in Group C, and the Super Eagles qualified on a superior goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso.
Iwobi speaks on Nigeria’s chances
Legit.ng previously reported that Alex Iwobi had claimed that Nigeria is still hopeful of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite losing to DR Congo.
Iwobi's comments have Nigerians hope that there is positive news around the case against DR Congo, considering that a player might have additional insight.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
