World football governing body FIFA has reportedly thrown out Nigeria’s appeal challenging the eligibility of players fielded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), effectively ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, DW Africa reports.
Nigeria had lodged a formal complaint following their dramatic defeat to the DRC in the CAF playoff final held in Rabat on November 16. The encounter ended 1–1 after regulation time, with Victor Osimhen putting the Super Eagles ahead before Cedric Bakambu drew the Congolese level. The DRC eventually triumphed 4–3 on penalties.
After the loss, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) protested the result, alleging that some DRC players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, violated FIFA’s dual-nationality eligibility rules.
However, according to reports, FIFA dismissed the petition, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to support Nigeria’s claims. The decision confirms the DRC’s qualification and brings an end to Nigeria’s campaign for a place at the 2026
