The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) desperate petition to FIFA, seeking the expulsion of the Democratic Republic of Congo from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, has hit a major roadblock according to a confidential source within the global football body.
Omojuwa's FIFA Contact Dampens Super Eagles' Hopes
Prominent Nigerian writer and social commentator, Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, has publicly shared discouraging information he received from his contact within FIFA. The disclosure, made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, casts a long shadow over Nigeria's last-gasp attempt to resurrect its World Cup dreams.
In a viral post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Omojuwa quoted his source as saying, "My person in FIFA suggested to me that Nigeria's case is weak. We had no business being here. Twice." This blunt assessment suggests the NFF's legal argument for disqualifying DR Congo may lack the necessary foundation under FIFA's statutes.
The Core of the Controversial NFF Petition
The controversy stems from the African playoff final held in Morocco, where DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, clinching the continent's spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. Following the painful loss, the NFF, led by its General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, filed an official protest with FIFA.
The federation alleges that the Congolese team fielded players who were ineligible to represent the country. The NFF's petition hinges on the claim that these players violated Congolese national laws regarding dual citizenship, which the Nigerian body argues should render them ineligible for international football under FIFA regulations.
Mixed Reactions and a Reality Check from Fans
Omojuwa's revelation has sparked a fresh wave of debate online, dividing Nigerian football fans. While some cling to hope for a favourable FIFA ruling, many others have echoed the sentiment that the petition is a futile effort.
One social media user, @ayodawson07, pointed out the legal flaw: "Congolese rules say a citizen cannot have a dual passport. Let's take it that this is true. It's got nothing to do with FIFA rules. You can only petition FIFA based on FIFA rules."
Another, @emmababse, offered a stark reality check: "FYI- if Nigeria wants to go to the world cup. You need to win your games on the pitch. Dual nationality is a Congolese government issue and not FIFA. Those players had Congolese passports and by FIFA, they are legitimate Congolese players."
The sentiment of missed opportunity was captured by @gabriel_bolatit, who lamented, "Those guys should rest? We had a golden opportunity to qualify but blew it now looking for opportunity through the back door."
DR Congo's Response and the Path Forward
Meanwhile, the football association of DR Congo has not taken the allegation lightly. Herita Ilunga, the Director of the DR Congo FA, has formally reacted to Nigeria's petition, defending the eligibility of his nation's squad. This sets the stage for a formal adjudication process by FIFA's relevant judicial bodies.
The situation leaves the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads. With the direct qualification route closed after the playoff defeat, the NFF's petition represented the only conceivable lifeline. However, the insider information shared by Japheth Omojuwa indicates that this lifeline may already be severed, forcing Nigerian football to confront a period of introspection after another failed campaign.
