By Ben Efe 16.2.2026
The Nigeria Football Federation is refusing to buy several reports in the media that the world soccer governing body FIFA has thrown out its petition against the Congo Democratic Republic following the players’ eligibility dispute during the World Cup qualification play off last November in Morocco.
According to various reports on Monday, FIFA is not having none of Nigeria’s petition accusing Congo DR of fielding nine players who were not eligible to play in the game, the Super Eagles lost on penalty.
But according to NFF’s director of communications Ademola Olajire, the reports are “false and misleading.”
“There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation,” Mr Olajire told 234Sports website.
Meanwhile Nigerian fans have given up hope on seeing their team feature at the 2026 World Cup, according to them since Nigeria failed to do the needful there was no point going through the back door. They reasoned that the NFF is chasing shadows since there will be on hand out from FIFA.
The intercontinental playoffs will take place in March, and time seems to be running for Nigeria… and most likely Congo DR will play in it.
Nigeria's Super Eagles v Congo DR Leopards...waiting game.