By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain in suspense as world football’s governing body has yet to deliver a verdict on the petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against DR Congo.
The Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in last November’s African play-offs, but the NFF insists their opponents fielded ineligible players. With intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 26–31 in Mexico, Nigerians are anxiously awaiting FIFA’s decision.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau told The Punch, “We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God.”
General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi reinforced the federation’s confidence: “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 case hinges on FIFA’s nationality-switch rules, which require players to hold a valid passport of the country they wish to represent. Nigeria argues that Congolese law, which does not permit dual nationality, makes some switches invalid.
Players remain hopeful. Midfielder Alex Iwobi said, “We’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, suggested the matter could escalate further: “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.”
The 2026 World Cup will be staged from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.