The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disclosed that world football governing body, FIFA is yet to issue a final ruling on Nigeria’s eligibility protest over their 2026 World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo.
TheMatrix Newspaper reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the CAF play-off final in November 2025, however, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a petition to FIFA in December 2025, alleging irregularities in the match over the eligibility of several of the DR Congo’s players.
Earlier this week, many Nigerians feared the Super Eagles’ dream had ended after FIFA released details of the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.
In the announcement, DR Congo were listed as one of the six teams expected to compete for the final two places at the expanded tournament triggering assumptions that FIFA had already rejected Nigeria’s protest after confirming DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the playoff event.
In an official accreditation notice to the media, FIFA also explained the format of the competition and confirmed the six countries that will take part in the playoff tournament in Mexico.
Reacting to the development, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko disclosed that the case is still pending.
He explained that the listing of DR Congo does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on the country’s complaint.
Speaking to The Guardian, the country’s top sports administrator said Nigeria is still waiting for FIFA’s official verdict.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” Dikko said. “We are monitoring the situation closely.
“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out.”
Dikko added that FIFA normally informs all parties involved before making a final ruling in such sensitive matters.
“The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.
“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm, and wait for the final verdict.”
