The long-running eligibility dispute between Nigeria and DR Congo is set to reach its climax on Monday, February 16, 2026, as FIFA prepares to deliver its final judgment.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a petition after Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in their 2026 World Cup playoff encounter. Since then, controversy has surrounded the result, with claims that DR Congo fielded ineligible players.
According to reports gathered by Softfootball, Nigeria’s argument centers on allegations that some Congolese players hold dual citizenship. The petition reportedly cites Congolese nationality laws, claiming such players may not be eligible to represent the national team under domestic regulations.
Interestingly, several of the same players also featured for DR Congo at AFCON 2025, raising broader questions about eligibility compliance beyond just the World Cup playoff.
What Are Nigeria’s Chances?
FIFA eligibility cases are typically governed by its own statutes rather than domestic nationality laws alone. For Nigeria’s petition to succeed, clear evidence must prove that the players breached FIFA’s eligibility rules, not just local legal interpretations.
Historically, FIFA only overturns match results if there is definitive proof of ineligibility. If the petition is upheld, potential outcomes could include:
- Awarding Nigeria the match
- Ordering a replay
- Imposing sanctions on DR Congo
What About AFCON 2025?
A major question remains: if the players are ruled ineligible, would DR Congo’s AFCON 2025 matches also be affected?
That scenario appears unlikely unless a separate formal protest is filed with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). FIFA’s ruling would primarily concern the World Cup qualification process.
A Defining Moment
With World Cup qualification at stake, the verdict could significantly impact the Nigeria national football team’s path to the 2026 tournament.
All eyes now turn to FIFA’s decision on February 16, a ruling that could reshape the narrative of Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
