The Super Eagles’ bid to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended, following the world football governing body’s confirmation of DR Congo as Africa’s representative in this month’s inter-confederation play-off tournament.
The announcement was made public through an accreditation notice circulated to the media on Wednesday, which also outlined the tournament format and listed the six nations set to compete.
DR Congo’s inclusion effectively rules out Nigeria, despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) having formally protested their defeat in the CAF play-offs last November. Nigeria had argued that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive match, which ended 1-1 and was subsequently settled on penalties in favour of the Congolese side.
The decision marks a bitter setback for the Super Eagles, who had hoped to secure a spot at the global tournament and redeem themselves after the controversial play-off result.
