Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the next FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback following reports that FIFA has officially cleared Democratic Republic of the Congo to retain their qualification standing.
The decision effectively ends Nigeria’s chances of advancing in the current World Cup qualification race, dealing a heavy blow to fans and players alike who had been holding on to hopes of a possible reprieve.
Sources indicate that FIFA’s ruling followed a review of earlier petitions and eligibility concerns surrounding DR Congo, with the world football governing body finding no grounds to overturn previous results.
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The outcome confirms DR Congo’s position in the standings and shuts the door on any late comeback for Nigeria, whose campaign had already been hanging by a thread after a series of inconsistent performances.
Reaction across Nigeria has been swift, with supporters expressing disappointment over another missed opportunity to return to football’s biggest global stage.
The Super Eagles now face a period of reflection and rebuilding as attention shifts toward future competitions and the need for structural improvements within the national team setup.
More details are expected to emerge as officials release formal statements on the ruling.