FIFA on Tuesday began its 100-day countdown to the 2026 World Cup, but remains silent on Nigeria’s petition to the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding player eligibility.
Silence hurts Nigerians
For millions of football-loving Nigerians, this celebratory announcement was overshadowed by continued silence on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s petition to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Silence among Nigerian soccer fans has deepened frustration, leaving Nigerians uncertain about the Super Eagles’ qualification for the World Cup.
Related article: NFF: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup
With just 100 days left until kick-off, Nigeria is still awaiting the verdict after FIFA’s decision on the NFF’s complaint over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the CAF play-off final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been postponed.
The countdown to the historic 2026 tournament begins
“100 days left until the biggest @FIFAWorldCup in history! 48 teams, 104 matches. From June 11th to July 19th,” FIFA wrote in a post on its official X account.
The tournament will begin on June 11th at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the first time that three countries have co-hosted a men’s World Cup. It will also be the first tournament to be expanded to 48 teams, with a record 104 games played.
Nigeria’s petition still pending
While qualifying countries ramp up preparations, FIFA is yet to decide Nigeria’s fate regarding the disputed play-off against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In November 2025, the Super Eagles lost the playoffs on penalties, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoffs.
The NFF then petitioned FIFA in December 2025, alleging that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had used ineligible players, including former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, citing concerns over dual citizenship regulations and FIFA’s eligibility rules.
NFF Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi asserted that the federation is confident of a positive outcome.
“We have a good case,” Sanusi said in a radio interview. “We don’t bother doing things that we know are futile. As far as we’re concerned, we have a strong case and we’re waiting to see what FIFA has to say about the complaints we’ve filed.”
More than two months have passed since the petition was filed, but FIFA has yet to issue a formal ruling as the Democratic Republic of the Congo prepares to play an intercontinental playoff match in late March.
Super Eagles’ hopes are on the rise
Nigerian fans have been urged to remain calm, noting that FIFA often takes disciplinary action close to the competition period. Similar cases, such as the ruling on Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility against South Africa, were decided just days before key qualifying matches.
But with the remaining 100 days fast approaching and the intercontinental play-offs set for late March, the chances for the Nigerian side to secure a favorable solution are rapidly closing.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup gains momentum around the world, uncertainty remains over Nigeria’s participation, with millions of fans anxiously awaiting a clear announcement from world football’s governing body.
