NFF Confident of FIFA Ruling in World Cup Dispute Against DR Congo

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reassured Nigerians that the Super Eagles still have a chance of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting it has a strong case in its eligibility dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The federation said it remains hopeful of securing a favourable decision from FIFA following a formal complaint lodged against the Congolese team.

Speaking with Brila FM, NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the federation’s position.

“We have a good case,” Sanusi said. “We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility.”

Nigeria’s petition alleges that the DRC fielded foreign-born players who had not properly completed nationality switch procedures or surrendered foreign passports, as required under FIFA regulations.

The controversy arose from the CAF World Cup playoff final held in Morocco last November, where the DRC defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties, crushing the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Reports suggest that former Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are central figures in the eligibility case.

Sanusi reiterated that the complaint is well-founded and that the federation is awaiting FIFA’s verdict.

“As far as we are concerned, we have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA would say as regards the complaint we have lodged,” he added.

The outcome of FIFA’s review could prove crucial for Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.

Meanwhile, FIFA has unveiled Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026, a nationwide programme aimed at uniting communities across Canada during the tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The initiative will feature free one-day community events across the country, including live match viewings, football-themed activities, cultural displays, music and local cuisine.

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President, Vittorio Montagliani, said the programme was designed to spread the excitement of the World Cup beyond host cities Toronto and Vancouver.

“Canada Celebrates was created to recognise the passion for football that runs across Canada and to bring the energy and excitement of the FIFA World Cup directly into our communities,” he said.

The programme will begin simultaneously in British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 11, with up to 40 stops planned nationwide.

It will also support the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, giving fans the chance to see the original World Cup Trophy in seven major Canadian cities.

As FIFA prepares for what it calls the biggest World Cup in history, Nigeria continues to await a decision that could reopen the door to the global tournament stage.