Anticipation is growing amongst Nigerian football fans as they eagerly await a decision from football’s governing body, FIFA, on Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during their recent World Cup qualifying play-off.
The high-stakes decision could have significant implications for both nations’ hopes of reaching the next World Cup.
The controversy stems from the play-off clash between Nigeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo, in November last year, which DR Congo won, securing what appeared to be a crucial step toward World Cup qualification.
Following the match, the Nigeria Football Federation formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded six who were ineligible due to recent switches in international allegiance.
The match ended in heartbreak for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties after a tense encounter, eliminating them from direct qualification and ending their campaign at that stage.
Under FIFA statutes, fielding an ineligible player can result in sanctions ranging from fines to match forfeiture. In previous international cases, governing bodies have awarded matches to opposing teams if violations were proven.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles would be reinstated and advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico.
A top finish in that playoff would secure one of the remaining African slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes now rest entirely on the outcome of Monday’s high-stakes FIFA meeting, with millions of fans and the entire Nigerian football community awaiting the verdict that could rewrite the Super Eagles’ World Cup story.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
