Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding an eligibility case involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
As of January 25, 2026, investigations indicate that the petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to FIFA over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the World Cup qualifying playoffs is still under active review. Contrary to widespread speculation, the case has neither been dismissed nor concluded by FIFA.
The petition reportedly centres on six DR Congo players whose eligibility during the playoff phase has been questioned by the NFF. While some online reports have claimed that FIFA quietly threw out the complaint, and others suggested Nigeria could be favoured to replace DR Congo, sources close to the process insist such claims are inaccurate. FIFA is expected to reach a final decision in February 2026, when an official statement is anticipated.
The ruling could prove pivotal to Africa’s qualification picture. DR Congo is currently scheduled to contest a decisive playoff in March 2026 against the winner of the intercontinental tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with the winner earning the final World Cup slot. Any adverse decision against DR Congo before that fixture could significantly reshape the race.
Further complicating the situation are unverified claims that surfaced after the controversial AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. Some reports speculated about possible sanctions against Senegal, including a potential World Cup ban, with Nigeria mentioned as a beneficiary. However, these reports remain purely speculative and lack official confirmation.
For now, Nigeria’s most realistic route back into contention rests on FIFA’s verdict in the DR Congo eligibility case. Until a formal ruling is issued, the Super Eagles’ World Cup fate remains uncertain, but their hopes are not yet extinguished. With February approaching, attention is firmly fixed on FIFA’s decision, which could yet alter Africa’s final qualification landscape.