FIFA will meet on February 16 to decide on Nigeria’s protest against Democratic Republic of the Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup African play-offs.
The decision could determine whether Nigeria returns to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico for a final chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) claims six Congolese players were not eligible during the match in Morocco last year, which Nigeria lost on penalties.
“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, adding that the federation followed due process in submitting its documents.
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The dispute centres on FIFA’s rules on nationality switches, which allow a player to change national teams only once and with official approval. Nigeria argues that the Congolese FA gave incorrect information about some players’ nationality status.
Both countries may take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if they are not satisfied with FIFA’s ruling.
