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“Exclusive: FIFA Rejects NFF Petition, Super Eagles Miss Out On Intercontinental Play-Off”.
News can exclusively report that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lost its petition challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of re-entering the race for a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot via the intercontinental play-off.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A reliable source confirmed that FIFA reached its final decision on Monday, 17 February, and has officially communicated the verdict to all federations involved. However, the source noted that FIFA has instructed the parties not to make any public announcement, as the responsibility for releasing the decision rests solely with the global governing body.
According to the source, FIFA ruled that the NFF’s claims were insufficient to block DR Congo from progressing to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March, effectively dismissing Nigeria’s petition. This decision means the Super Eagles will not compete in the six-nation tournament, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The dispute stems from Nigeria’s 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss to DR Congo in Morocco last November during the African play-off final, which denied the Super Eagles direct qualification.
On 15 December 2025, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that six Congolese players who had recently switched international allegiance were ineligible to participate in the decisive match. At the time, Nigerian officials expressed confidence in their case.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said, “We have a good case. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”
Similarly, National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko voiced optimism, expressing his belief that Nigeria would receive a favorable outcome.
In the weeks leading up to the verdict, reports suggested that DR Congo was confident of surviving the challenge. According to Sports247, senior football officials from Congo and other Francophone countries lobbied within FIFA to influence the decision.
“According to very reliable sources, Mosengo-Omba and top football executives from Congo and some Francophone countries are allegedly using their strong influence in FIFA to lobby for a favorable decision,” the report stated. “They know the seriousness of the petition and are concerned that FIFA could rule in Nigeria’s favor based on leaked information and available evidence.”
Despite the lobbying, FIFA has concluded its review and determined that the complaint does not justify overturning the outcome of the African play-off. DR Congo will therefore advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March, where the final spots for the 2026 World Cup will be decided.
The NFF retains the option to challenge FIFA’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an independent body that resolves sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. It is currently unclear whether Nigeria will pursue that route.
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