Nigeria’s football community is facing mounting frustration as FIFA continues to delay a ruling on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off, a decision that could determine whether the Super Eagles gain a lifeline to the global tournament, The PUNCH reports.

The matter, first raised by the Nigeria Football Federation in December, concerns allegations that Leopards players Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, among other players were ineligible under Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship.

The DR Congo squad beat Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia, yet the NFF contends that the Leopards violated FIFA regulations.

NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi has maintained that, “The Congolese rule (law) says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them.”

The Congolese Football Federation has dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”

FIFA has confirmed that it is reviewing the matter, though no timeline has been provided for a verdict.

NFF director of communications Ademola Olajire stated, “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”

The stakes are high. Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, faces the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup, while DR Congo is attempting to return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.

Observers warn that a late administrative ruling could overturn on-field results, creating uncertainty not only for the teams Involved but also for the broader competition schedule.

African football expert Mamadou Gaye, speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, urged Nigerian fans to remain patient.

Referencing a similar case involving South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, he said, “We should wait for FIFA to make the decision.

Remember that Bafana Bafana had points taken away right at the last minute. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared.”

The precedent illustrates that FIFA’s disciplinary process can be protracted, with rulings often issued months after the matches in question, particularly when eligibility rules are complex.

The delay has sparked intense debate on social media, where supporters and critics alike have weighed in.

@CHRISTOPHERTM_ expressed resignation, noting, “We have already moved on. If we didn’t win it on the pitch, then there’s no point holding on to false hope. They shouldn’t distract us, we have the Nations Cup to focus on and prepare for.”

Others, like @Deoolu, were less optimistic, “Nigeria is never going to the World Cup. We should have started preparing for 2030.”

Voices like @reallest_ideal echoed the mix of uncertainty and pragmatism, “Not sure it’s happening. Make we focus on next Nations Cup and stop getting our hopes high.”

The delay is also drawing concern from Jamaica, whose Football Federation is monitoring the situation closely ahead of their intercontinental play-off scheduled for March.

Officials have reportedly warned that a late decision could disrupt travel, training, and tactical preparations. FIFA’s extended review period is leaving both Jamaica and DR Congo in a state of operational limbo, highlighting the administrative challenges inherent in international football when eligibility disputes remain unresolved so close to major fixtures.

Fans continue to weigh both legal and sporting arguments. Many argue that if Congolese law prohibits dual nationality and affected players have not renounced their foreign citizenship, FIFA is obliged to intervene.

Others cite Nigeria’s market and sporting profile as factors in potential rulings, noting the presence of stars such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi, who make the Super Eagles an influential global brand.

For the players, the uncertainty is a source of anxiety. Alex Iwobi admitted recently, “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, supporters like @abn_tel lament the drawn-out process on X, “They should resolve this once and for all; we are tired of holding a calculator every time we hear FIFA,” a reference to the Intricate mental calculations fans employ to track Nigeria’s qualifying scenarios.

As the countdown to the intercontinental play-off continues, the Super Eagles’ fate hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will determine whether Nigeria can secure a reprieve and return to the World Cup stage, or watch their campaign end through administrative channels despite on-field success. (Sunday PUNCH)

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