FIFA shuts out Super Eagles from 2026 World Cup play-offs, names DR Congo as Africa’s representative
FIFA has officially ruled Nigeria out of the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup, confirming DR Congo as Africa’s representative for this month’s inter-confederation play-off tournament.
The decision was communicated in an accreditation notice circulated to media outlets on Wednesday, where FIFA outlined the competition format and listed the six participating nations.
DR Congo’s confirmation effectively ends the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing a late route to the tournament. The development follows a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation after their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
Nigeria had challenged the outcome of the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 before progressing to penalties, where they were beaten. The NFF alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the encounter and submitted a formal complaint seeking a review of the result.
However, FIFA’s latest communication indicates that the matter has been settled, with DR Congo retaining their spot in the play-offs and Nigeria officially eliminated from contention.
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