The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that Nigeria’s hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been officially ended following reports of confirmation of DR Congo for the inter-confederation play-off tournament.
Several media outlets had reported that FIFA confirmed DR Congo as one of the teams qualified for the play-offs, a development widely interpreted as ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
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However, the NFF said it has not received any formal communication from FIFA regarding its pending eligibility dispute involving DR Congo.
In a statement, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire explained that the quotes circulating in various media reports were taken from a FIFA statement issued in November 2025, a month before the federation submitted its petition against DR Congo over player eligibility.
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The NFF filed a complaint to FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo had fielded ineligible players during the CAF playoff, including former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The petition raised concerns over dual nationality regulations and FIFA eligibility rules.
Olajire maintained that the federation remains hopeful of a positive verdict, stressing that Nigeria’s qualification hopes are still subject to FIFA’s final decision.
“The NFF have not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved,” Olajire said.
“Yes, our wait is ongoing. We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them.”
