By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into fresh uncertainty after FIFA’s 2025 CAS and football annual report failed to mention the country’s pending protest against the DR Congo national team.
The world football governing body recently released an updated report detailing decisions taken by its Ethics Committee, but notably did not include any ruling on the petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF had submitted a formal complaint in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo national football team fielded ineligible players during the decisive World Cup playoff match, which Nigeria lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Rabat, Morocco.
Many Nigerians had expected FIFA’s recent publication to clarify the matter. However, the absence of any reference to Nigeria’s case in the report has heightened anxiety among fans and stakeholders, with fears that the decision may be delayed or the matter sidelined.
Officials of the NFF have previously urged supporters to disregard unverified claims circulating online and to await formal communication from FIFA.
With the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico fast approaching, the Super Eagles’ qualification status remains unresolved as Nigerians await FIFA’s final verdict on the protest.
