Footballing body Fifa to rule on Nigeria's petition against DR Congo this Monday

GLOBAL football governing body Fifa has announced that it will deliver its verdict on Nigeria's petition against DR Congo qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Monday February 16 in a development that will determine if the Super Eagles attend the big dance or not.

In November last year, the Leopards of DR Congo beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final of the African World Cup playoff at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With this victory, the Congolese qualified to represent Africa in Fifa's inter-continental play-off taking place in March next year in Mexico, from where two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

However, the  Football Federation (NFF) wrote to Fifa alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo breached its rules by fielding ineligible players in the play-offs. A petition was sent to Fifa's headquarters in Zurich, requesting that the Congolese be disqualified for fielding ineligible players.

Reports suggest that up to six Congolese players may not have completed the full nationality switch process required under Fifa regulations. Central to the allegations is the claim that the players did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, a requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality.

With both nations eagerly awaiting a decision, Fifa has announced that it will rule on the matter this coming Monday. Nigeria's Super Eagles lost the play-off 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have a good case. We don’t go into things that would be a waste of time. We believe we have a strong case and we are waiting for Fifa’s decision on our complaints.”

If Fifa upholds Nigeria's complaint, the Super Eagles will be allowed to take part in the inter-continental play-off tournament in March. Winning a top spot in that tournament would earn Nigeria the remaining African spot for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, holding in the US, Canada, and Mexico.