What happens if FIFA rules in Super Eagles’ favour over DR Congo?

Super Eagles’ hopes of returning to the race for the 2026 World Cup may still depend on a pending decision from FIFA regarding the eligibility complaint filed by the NFF, Afrik Foot reports.

In November, Eric Chelle’s men lost a tense continental playoff to DR Congo on penalties, eliminating them from the qualification race.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation subsequently lodged a formal protest, arguing that the Congolese side fielded players who were not eligible during the encounter.

FIFA’s verdict is still pending, and if the world football governing body rules in Nigeria’s favour, they could still receive an unexpected lifeline.

Super Eagles could replace DR Congo in the playoff

If FIFA upholds Nigeria’s complaint, the most immediate consequence could be the removal of DR Congo from the intercontinental playoff lineup.

FIFA recently released the tournament details and listed six teams expected to compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup: Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.

The playoff tournament is scheduled to take place between March 26 and March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.

However, if the protest succeeds, FIFA could overturn the result of the playoff match between Nigeria and DR Congo. Such a decision would potentially allow Nigeria to take the Congolese side’s place in the competition.

At present, DR Congo are scheduled to face the winner of Jamaica against New Caledonia in the next stage of the playoff tournament.

A favourable ruling for Nigeria would therefore see the Super Eagles step into that fixture and revive their chances of qualifying for the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Super Eagles could get a final chance to reach the World Cup

In the event of Nigeria’s reinstatement, the Super Eagles would need to successfully navigate the intercontinental playoff tournament to secure their spot at the global showpiece.

The competition will feature six teams from different confederations battling for the final two qualification spots. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host the tournament, with the winners of those matches completing the lineup.

Meanwhile, the NFF has already scheduled matches for the Super Eagles during the March international window.

The team is expected to participate in a four-nation friendly tournament, facing Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in Amman.

Those games could serve as preparation if FIFA’s verdict ultimately reopens Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup.

The country continues to wait for an official decision from FIFA on the eligibility case that could determine whether the Super Eagles still have a route back into the qualification race.