DR Congo defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties after the 2025 CAF World Cup play-off final ended 1–1 in regulation time.
By Kehinde Okeowo
World football’s governing body, FIFA, will on Monday, 16 February, deliver its verdict on the eligibility protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against DR Congo.
The organising body will decide on the petition during a meeting expected to address several key issues, including the NFF’s formal complaint.
Last December, Nigerian officials lodged a complaint alleging that at least six DR Congo players who featured in the 2025 African play-off final in November were ineligible to play, having recently changed their nationality.
The Super Eagles lost the match 4–3 on penalties after the tie ended 1–1 in regulation time.
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Recently, the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, stated: “We have a good case.”
Sanusi added: “We do not engage in matters that would be a waste of time. We believe we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on our complaints.”
If FIFA rules in favour of Nigeria, the team will be permitted to participate in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament, scheduled for March in Mexico.
Securing a top spot in that tournament would earn Nigeria one of the remaining African berths for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
