2026 FIFA World Cup: NFF gives latest update on petition filed against DR Congo

There is still a bit of hope in the air for Nigerians as they anticipate the verdict of FIFA to see if the Super Eagles of Nigeria will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given an update about its ongoing petition filed with FIFA against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese defeated Nigeria on penalties in the World Cup qualifying play-offs which came as a disappointment to most Nigerians after they saw their team miss out of the global competition for the second time in a row.

NFF submitted a petition to FIFA disputing DR Congo's spot, citing the ineligibility of six Congolese players despite their nationality switch being confirmed. There were allegations that the players did not fulfil the Congolese constitution, which forbids dual citizenship, by relinquishing their European passports.

What did NFF say about Super Eagles World Cup qualification?

Sanusi, speaking in an interview with Punch, confirmed that the NFF had proceeded with the case when it was certain the argument was strong enough.

" We are still waiting for them to reach out to us. 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. That is our submission; it is now left to FIFA to decide."

This is not the first time that the Super Eagles are benefiting from a petition which the filed against a team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

FIFA punished South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding the ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 win over Lesotho. However, fingers are crossed to see if this petition will be ruled in favour of Nigeria.

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