FIFA to Rule Next Week on NFF’s Petition Against DRC in World Cup Playoff Dispute
World football governing body FIFA is expected to deliver its verdict next week on the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over alleged player ineligibility during the 2026 World Cup playoff final.
Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties to DRC in Morocco last November, ending their hopes of direct qualification for the tournament.
However, the NFF filed a formal complaint on December 15, 2025, claiming that six Congolese players who had recently switched international allegiance were not eligible to feature in the decisive match.
FIFA has been reviewing the petition and is reportedly set to announce its ruling on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The decision could have major implications for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign. If the NFF’s case is upheld, the Super Eagles would be reinstated into the six-team Intercontinental Play-off scheduled for next month, with a place at the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico at stake.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s case, insisting that the federation would not pursue ‘an exercise in futility.’
‘We have a good case,’ Sanusi said. ‘As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.’
The ruling will determine whether Nigeria’s World Cup dream is revived or definitively ended.
