Nigeria Eliminated from 2026 World Cup as FIFA Confirms DR Congo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially ended their campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after FIFA confirmed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) will represent Africa in the inter-confederation playoff tournament. This confirmation was outlined in official competitive documents circulated ahead of the playoff match, which listed DR Congo among the six participating countries.

Nigeria's hopes were further dashed as they drew 1-1 with DR Congo and subsequently lost in a penalty shootout, concluding their qualification run. Following the match, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition alleging that DR Congo fielded an ineligible player during the encounter, requesting the result to be overturned and Nigeria reinstated in the intercontinental playoff.

However, FIFA's latest communication made no reference to reviewing or altering the qualification teams, strongly suggesting that the governing body upheld the original result and dismissed Nigeria's protest. Consequently, the Super Eagles will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending Nigeria's absence from the global tournament after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition.