…As FIFA confirms DR Congo Africa’s rep
…Ends months of uncertainty
By Joel Ajayi, Abuja
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed after FIFA officially confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation playoff tournament.
In an accreditation notice circulated to the media, FIFA listed the six countries that will compete for the final two qualification spots with Nigeria notably absent. The confirmation effectively ends the Nigeria Football Federation’s, NFF, protest over the November 2025 CAF playoff defeat to DR Congo.
The NFF had challenged the result of the tie, which ended 1-1 before DR Congo triumphed on penalties, alleging the use of ineligible players and seeking reinstatement into the playoffs.
However, FIFA’s latest communication contains no amendment to the qualified teams, signaling that the original outcome stands.
FIFA confirmed that Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname will participate in the playoff tournament scheduled for March 26–31, 2026, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.
Under the format, the four lowest-ranked teams : “Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname”, will compete in bracket semi-finals, while DR Congo and Iraq advance directly to the final stage. DR Congo are now just one match away from securing a historic place at the expanded 48-team World Cup.
For Nigeria, the confirmation brings months of uncertainty to a close, with FIFA’s decision effectively closing the door on any late route to the global showpiece co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Our correspondence recalls that, the Super Eagles qualifying matches weren’t targeted for the World Cup qualifications as the team was loosing to a lowly rated countries such Benin Republic and others . Even team Super Eagles benefited from the FIFA arbitration Court against South Africa but the three points reduction yet didn’t affect South Africa.
Speaking with some football lovers in the streets of Abuja, majority were happy that the Super Eagles didn’t qualify for the playoffs because it would further deplete the nations meagre resources while others expressed regrets that the hopes of Nigerian soccer lovers were dashed by this latest FIFA press releases. Danjuma Haruna , a football enthusiast and Super Eagles supporter said he has been buying sport newspapers on a daily basis when the rumour circulated that FIFA seems to have decided in favour of the Super Eagles but hearing this latest decision really broke my heart, Danjuma said. A female football lover and Super Eagles supporter was not happy over the FIFA negative decision but advised the Super Eagles to prepare well and play better for the 2030 World Cup qualifications.
