FIFA to Rule on Nigeria’s World Cup Fate
Last update: February 14, 2026
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FIFA set to rule on Nigeria’s 2026 world cup qualification dispute.
World football’s governing body, FIFA, is set to deliver a verdict on Monday that could significantly impact Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
At the centre of the dispute is a formal petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Association over the alleged use of six ineligible players during last year’s African play-offs.
CBI News reports that Nigeria were eliminated on penalties in Morocco, a result that appeared to end their qualification campaign.
However, the NFF maintains that the issue remains unresolved.
“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,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said, emphasizing that the federation adhered to due process in submitting its documents and legal arguments.
The case centres on FIFA regulations concerning nationality switches.
Under existing rules, a player is permitted to change international allegiance only once and must complete a formal approval process before representing a new country.
Nigeria’s position, reportedly backed by material referenced by BBC Sport, argues that the Congolese FA misrepresented critical information about the players’ eligibility, particularly in light of DR Congo’s domestic ban on dual citizenship.
The matter has attracted wider attention due to the reported involvement of Véron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of Confederation of African Football (CAF), who is said to have close ties to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
With both parties reportedly prepared to escalate the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary, FIFA is understood to be approaching the decision with caution.
If Nigeria’s protest is upheld, the Super Eagles would be reinstated into the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico later this month.
They would then face the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia for one of the final qualification spots at the 2026 tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, acknowledged that the dispute may extend beyond Monday’s ruling.
“It requires a lot of things, and by the time it is finally decided, whether Nigeria wins or DR Congo wins, I believe the case might even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Dikko said.
