FIFA will announce its decision on Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo on Monday, February 16.
In December, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal complaint, alleging that at least six DR Congo players who featured in the 2025 African playoff final in November were ineligible due to recent nationality switches.
The Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, lost the encounter 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, recently expressed confidence in the case, stating that the federation would not pursue a matter without merit and insisting they have strong grounds for their complaint as they await FIFA’s ruling.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the team will secure a place in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico. Victory in that competition would hand Nigeria one of Africa’s remaining slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
