The suspense surrounding the dispute between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should finally come to an end this Monday, February 16, 2026. FIFA is set to announce its decision on the eligibility of certain Congolese dual-national players.
This issue was sparked by the Nigerian Football Federation, which is contesting the selections made by the Congolese team during the decisive playoff match on November 16, 2025. The Super Eagles, confident in the strength of their case, hope to prevail and qualify for the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
Background of the Dispute
The situation remains tense, with accusations of document forgery coming from both sides. The Congolese Federation claims to have strictly adhered to the rules regarding changes in sporting nationality. However, a favorable decision for Nigeria could disrupt the Leopards’ path and change the stakes for World Cup qualifications.
As the regulatory body, FIFA plays a key role in this matter. Expectations are running high on both sides, as the verdict could have a major impact on the future of both teams on the international stage.
