FIFA verdict: NFF breaks silence on DR Congo 2026 World Cup case

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a verdict on Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Afrik Foot reports.

The Nigerian football body earlier raised the alarm over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The federation clarified that no official communication has been received from FIFA and warned that any reports suggesting a decision has been reached in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo are inaccurate and misleading.

NFF denies claims of FIFA verdict on DR Congo case

Reacting to the speculation, Director of Communications Ademola Olajire firmly stated that the World football body has not ruled on the matter.

He described the circulating claims as false and urged the public to disregard them.

“There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation,” Olajire told 234Sports in comments quoted by Premium Times.

The Nigerian football body insists that the process is still ongoing and that no official outcome has been relayed to either party.

2026 World Cup qualification uncertainty for Super Eagles

Nigeria had earlier lodged a formal protest with FIFA after losing to DR Congo in the decisive playoff for the African ticket to the intercontinental playoffs, alleging that some Congolese players were ineligible under international regulations.

Reports over the past few days claimed that a verdict was imminent—or had already been delivered—with conflicting narratives suggesting outcomes favourable to both Nigeria and DR Congo.

However, the latest clarification effectively debunks those claims, confirming that the Super Eagles’ fate in the 2026 World Cup race remains unresolved.

Until FIFA issues an official ruling, Nigeria’s hopes of being reinstated into the qualification process remain in limbo, with the federation maintaining that it will only respond publicly once it receives formal correspondence from world football’s governing body.