The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reignited hopes for the Super Eagles' participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by submitting a formal petition to FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) fielded ineligible players during their recent African playoff match against Nigeria.
This development comes after Nigeria's elimination in November 2025, following a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the playoff round, which had seemingly dashed the nation's World Cup aspirations.
The petition claims that up to six DR Congo players failed to complete the required nationality switch process, including not formally renouncing their previous citizenships as mandated by Congolese law, which does not recognize dual nationality.
Some of these players, who are over the age of 21, reportedly hold European passports such as from France or the Netherlands and the NFF asserts that FIFA may have been misled by fraudulent documentation during the clearance process. One player highlighted in the allegations is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, noted for his European passport.
"We are committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play at all levels," said NFF President Ibrahim Gusau in a statement. "Our thorough investigation has uncovered discrepancies that could have significant implications for the outcome of the qualifiers. We trust FIFA will conduct a swift and transparent probe to address these concerns."
If the petition is upheld, DR Congo could face sanctions, including disqualification or the forfeiture of points, potentially reinstating Nigeria into the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico. This would provide the Super Eagles with a renewed opportunity to secure one of the remaining spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The NFF's action has sparked widespread discussion across the football community, with fans and analysts alike expressing optimism about Nigeria's chances. FIFA has confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that an investigation is underway, though no timeline for a decision has been announced.
Nigeria, a three-time African champion and six-time World Cup participant, last appeared in the tournament in 2018. The team boasts a talented roster, including stars like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi, who could lead the charge should the opportunity arise.