FIFA has officially excluded Nigeria from the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs, dismissing the NFF’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.
Nigeria’s ambitions for the 2026 World Cup have collapsed after FIFA officially listed DR Congo as a confirmed participant for the intercontinental play-offs.
The decision signals the rejection of the Nigeria Football Federation’s protest regarding player eligibility.
The Super Eagles will now miss back-to-back tournaments, as the global body moves forward with the mini-tournament logistics scheduled for March 26 to 31 in Mexico.
The NFF had alleged that several Congolese players violated domestic nationality laws.
Addressing the eligibility criteria, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi previously stated:
“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared.
But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations.”
NEWS NOW:
- Ousmane Dembele set for injury return ahead of Monaco and Chelsea clashes
- Player Ratings: Mbeumo 3, and Mainoo 4, flop as Man United suffer first loss under Carrick at Newcastle
- Paul Scholes proven right as Michael Carrick’s honeymoon ends at Newcastle
- Three things we learn from Chelsea’s win over Aston Villa