FIFA Communicates Verdict Timeline to NFF in Crucial World Cup Eligibility Dispute
In a significant development for African football, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has reportedly communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) the specific date when it will deliver its verdict on Nigeria's contentious 2026 World Cup case against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This communication marks a pivotal moment in a dispute that could dramatically alter World Cup qualification outcomes.
NFF's Formal Petition and Core Allegations
The Nigeria Football Federation formally submitted its petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging the eligibility of six Congolese national team players who recently switched their international allegiance. The NFF's central argument contends that the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) deliberately deceived FIFA into approving these nationality switches.
Nigeria's legal team asserts that these players violated the Democratic Republic of Congo's constitution, which explicitly prohibits dual citizenship. According to Nigerian football authorities, players including Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka failed to properly relinquish their European passports before representing DR Congo, thereby rendering their participation in crucial matches invalid under FIFA regulations.
The Stakes: World Cup Qualification Hanging in Balance
The outcome of this case carries enormous consequences for both nations' World Cup aspirations. DR Congo secured their place in the intercontinental playoffs by defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in the African playoff final on November 16, 2025. The victorious Congolese side, known as the Leopards, are scheduled to face the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia match in March for a coveted World Cup spot.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria's favor, the Super Eagles would replace DR Congo in these intercontinental playoffs, granting them an unexpected second chance to qualify for the 2026 tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This would represent a remarkable turnaround for a Nigerian team that failed to secure automatic qualification from their group before losing the African playoff final.
Inside Sources Reveal Specific Verdict Date
According to credible sources within the Nigeria Football Federation who spoke to Score Nigeria, FIFA has established February 15 as the target date for delivering its verdict on this complex eligibility dispute. The source clarified that while February 15 falls on a Sunday—typically a non-working day across Europe—the decision is imminent and expected within that timeframe.
"It's most likely that FIFA will rule on this matter either February 15 or 16th," the NFF insider revealed. "The initial date is 15th, but it's a Sunday and it is not really a working day in Europe. But what is very clear is that the verdict is now very close."
Historical Precedents and Nigeria's Qualification Journey
This isn't the first time off-pitch decisions have influenced Nigeria's World Cup qualification campaign. During the current qualification cycle, FIFA sanctioned South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, though Nigeria failed to capitalize on this advantage.
Additionally, Eritrea's unexpected withdrawal from qualification opened an alternative pathway for Nigeria to reach the playoffs. The Super Eagles ultimately secured their playoff position ahead of Benin Republic in Group C, despite collecting fewer points against bottom-placed Zimbabwe, and qualified ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference alone.
NFF Leadership Expresses Confidence in Case Strength
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has publicly expressed confidence in Nigeria's legal position, confirming that the federation believes it has presented a compelling case to world football's governing body. "Nigeria has a strong case and is awaiting world football governing body, FIFA's verdict on the case," Sanusi stated in recent communications.
The Nigeria Football Federation maintains that even though FIFA initially approved the Congolese players' team changes, this approval was obtained through deception regarding their citizenship status. Nigerian officials argue that fielding ineligible players should result in DR Congo's disqualification from the qualification process, regardless of when the ineligibility was discovered.
As the international football community awaits FIFA's decision, Nigerian supporters hope for a favorable ruling that would extend their nation's quest to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since the 2018 tournament in Russia. The verdict, expected within days, will determine whether Nigeria's World Cup dreams remain alive or whether DR Congo's historic playoff victory will stand unchallenged.
